Our Bureau
Edgbaston
India produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat England by six wickets in the opening One-Day International at Edgbaston, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Axar Patel starred with both bat and ball, while captain Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a fluent half-century as the visitors comfortably overhauled England’s score of 258.
Opting to bat first, England made a promising start but suffered a dramatic collapse from 61 without loss to 80 for five. Joe Root’s unbeaten 76 and Liam Dawson’s resilient 68 revived the innings with a crucial 121-run partnership, helping the hosts post a competitive 258. Axar Patel was India’s standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna provided disciplined support to restrict England’s scoring.
In reply, India approached the chase with composure. Gill led from the front with an elegant 80 before retiring hurt, ensuring the visitors remained firmly in control. Although England struck a few timely blows to reduce India to 160 for four, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar extinguished any hopes of a comeback.
The duo stitched together an unbeaten 100-run partnership, with Axar finishing on 57 not out and Sundar contributing an equally assured unbeaten 52. Sundar sealed the victory with a towering six as India reached 262 for four in 45.2 overs, winning with 28 balls to spare.
The victory marks an impressive turnaround for India after their disappointing T20I campaign against England and underlines the side’s depth in the 50-over format. Axar’s match-winning all-round display earned widespread praise, while Gill continued his rich form at the top of the order.
