In a dominant display at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India was defeated England 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the T20I opener of the five-match series. Dominating the pitch early, India restricted England to a modest 132 thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by them. Varun Chakraborty and Arshdeep Singh. In response, Abhishek Sharma‘s 79 off 34 balls provided India chased the target in just 12.5 shots. This crucial win gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their all-round strength.
Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball
India’s fielding decision paid dividends after Arshdeep was dismissed first Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in rapid succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s magical bowling. He took 3 wickets for 23 runs including a crucial scalp Harry Brooke and Liam Livingstone on the same. Chakravarty’s guile and accuracy wreaked havoc on England’s middle order as they struggled to gain momentum after a steady start. If ButtlerIt fell to Varun who scored 68 off 44 balls. England’s lower order offered little resistance, being bowled out for just 132.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England
India’s chase started on a steady note but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Next to the opening Sanju SamsonSharma smashed 79 runs off just 34 deliveries including 5 fours and 8 powerful sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for a quick finish. While Samson contributed 26, and Tilak Varma ensured there were no hiccups with an unbeaten 19, such was Abhishek’s fearless approach against the England pacers, especially Jofra Archer and Mark Woodwhich determines the shots. His clean hitting was a crowd pleaser and he was rightly named Man of the Match.
Also WATCH: Varun Chakraborty stuns England by taking out Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone at the same spot | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Clinical bowling and fielding highlighted India’s dominance in Kolkata
The Indian bowling unit executed their plans perfectly. Arshdeep’s early achievements and Hardik Pandya‘s crucial knocks in the middle innings ensured that England never got the momentum they needed. Akhar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, Patel also picked up 2 wickets. Fielding effort, including the run Samson throws Mark Woodcompleted the efforts of the bowlers. All in all, India’s all-round performance showed they are ready for the series and left England with a lot to think about ahead of the second T20I.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Abhishek Sharma is not concerned with pace. The sooner it comes, the further it goes. Incredible talent. He reminds me of his teacher Yuvraj Singh.
— M (@angrypakistan) January 22, 2025
India’s best format is T20 .. they have an incredible group of players .. #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 22, 2025
India’s spinners were superb today and I loved how Suryakumar Yadav used them. His leading bowling was happy to give the top three. His home side supported the bowlers very well. Good use was made of England’s old weakness against spin.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025
Top knock by Abhi Sharma.. great way to reply when you question your location!! I love the character the young guys are showing!! 💪🏾
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025
Can’t imagine a T20 side without Abhishek Sharma, he is that good. On a side note, I would love to see him develop into a Test cricketer. His first-order average may not stand out, but I’m sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #IQTIF
— Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In Test cricket, you need batsmen who value their wicket. In T20 cricket, as Abhishek once again showed today, you’d usually prefer knocks that don’t put a price on his own wicket.#IQTIF
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
India cruised home with 7 wickets in just 12.5 overs thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant 79 off just 34 overs. #IQTIF
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
India’s T20I side is entertaining. Just watch for fun. Have fun. go home
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Well played kid. The best shot of his short career. A lot more to come from Abhishek.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
Love this one from New India! No fear of cricket. No admiration for individual 50, etc.
A selfless cricketer is always a dangerous cricketer in T20s.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Sensational knock from Abhishek Sharma 😊#cricket #IQTIF #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
𝐡𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 emma. 😉#IQTIF #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025
