India defeated England by 6 wickets in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a target of 259 runs at Edgbaston, India secured the win by scoring 262 for 4 in 45.2 overs. The second match is scheduled to be played in Cardiff on July 16. This is the first win of the UK tour for the men in blue in the limited over format after a 2-0 loss against Ireland and 4-0 loss against England in the recently concluded T20 series.
All-rounder Axar Patel was the hero of the victory; he first claimed 4 wickets with the ball and then played a match-winning, unbeaten innings of 57 runs. Captain Shubman Gill scored 80 runs, while Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52.
India did not get off to a good start, with Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) falling early. Captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer (35) then steadied the innings by adding 101 runs for the third wicket.
Gill scored 80 runs off 75 balls before retiring hurt due to cramps. In the very next over, Shreyas was run out, and KL Rahul was bowled after scoring just one run. At one stage, India’s score stood at 160 for 4.
Axar and Washington seal the win with a 102-run stand
After the fall of four wickets, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar steadied the innings. The duo shared an unbroken 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Axar scored an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls, while Washington remained not out on 52 off 63 balls. Washington sealed the victory and completed his half-century by hitting a six.
England lost 5 wickets for 19 runs
England, having won the toss and elected to bat, got off to a brisk start. Ben Duckett (43) and Jacob Bethell (14) added 61 runs for the first wicket. However, the Indian bowlers turned the match around, with England losing five wickets for the addition of just 19 runs. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed captain Harry Brook; Prasidh Krishna claimed the wickets of Jos Buttler and Sam Curran; while Gurnoor Brar dismissed Duckett and Bethell.
Root and Dawson stage a recovery
Joe Root and Liam Dawson steadied the England innings. The duo shared a 121-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Root remained unbeaten on 76, while Dawson scored 68. England were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs.
Axar takes 4 wickets
Axar took 4 wickets for 62 runs in 9.5 overs and also remained unbeaten on 57 with the bat. Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar claimed two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube took one wicket apiece. Axar Patel was named Player of the Match.
