India made a winning start to the three-match ODI series against England with a convincing six-wicket victory at Edgbaston on Tuesday, successfully chasing 259 to take a 1-0 lead.
Ahead of the match, skipper Shubman Gill had spoken about bringing a different atmosphere and mindset following India’s difficult T20I campaign in the British Isles. His side backed up those words with a composed performance, reaching the target with nearly five overs to spare.
Gill led the chase with a fluent 80 off 75 balls, striking 11 fours and a six before retiring hurt due to cramps. The 26-year-old entertained the crowd with a series of elegant drives and crisp short-arm shots while registering his fourth consecutive international score of 80 or more.
His innings helped offset the early departures of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit managed 11 before being caught at mid-off, while Kohli was dismissed leg-before for five after playing across the line.
India briefly lost momentum after Gill retired hurt with the score on 149 for two. Shreyas Iyer was run out by a direct hit from England captain Harry Brook, while K.L. Rahul chopped the ball onto his stumps. However, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel ensured there were no further setbacks.
Washington remained unbeaten on 52 from 63 deliveries, while Axar finished on an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls. Their unbroken 102-run partnership guided India home, with Washington sealing the win by launching Adil Rashid for a six.
Earlier, England’s innings fluctuated throughout after opting to bat first. The hosts moved from 61 for one to 107 for six before Joe Root and Liam Dawson staged a recovery with a 121-run stand for the seventh wicket.
Root remained unbeaten on 76 from 76 balls, while Dawson contributed 68 from 83 deliveries. Their partnership revived England’s innings after the top order stumbled against disciplined Indian bowling.
Gurnoor Brar struck twice in the 13th over to remove both openers after an earlier on-field exchange with Ben Duckett, while Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Harry Brook. Prasidh Krishna accounted for Jos Buttler in a catch that saw Gill and Gurnoor collide while completing the dismissal, with Gurnoor eventually holding onto the ball.
Axar Patel proved decisive with the ball, claiming four wickets for 62 runs. He dismissed Dawson before cleaning up the tail, leaving Root stranded as England were bowled out for 258—a total that ultimately proved insufficient as India secured a morale-boosting opening victory.
