Nagpur: The countdown has begun for the second ODI to be staged at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium. And the good news is that Team India will arrive in Odisha with a 1-0 lead, having beaten England by 4 wickets with 11.2 overs to spare in the first game at Nagpur on Thursday.
The home team ultimately cantered to victory, but there were moments when England looked to be getting a stranglehold over the game. First, when openers Phil Salt (43 off 26 balls) and Ben Duckett (32 off 29) gave England a flying start, making 75 runs in under 9 overs. And then, when England’s new-ball operators Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood sent back openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma – another flop show – with the score just 19.
But the Indians responded to the crisis situations superbly to turn the game their way.
Salt’s run out, failing to beat Shreyas Iyer’s throw from deep point, and a stunning catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal to send back Duckett opened the floodgates.
Skipper Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell hit half-centuries, but the Indian pacers and spinners struck at regular intervals to dismiss England for a below-par 248. Debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) were the top bowlers.
Then, it was Iyer’s turn to dazzle the crowd with some sensational strokeplay after India were dealt two early blows. Making the playing XI only because Virat Kohli picked up a niggle, the stylish Iyer 9 fours and 2 sixes in his knock of 59 off 36 balls.
Shubman Gill (87 off 96 balls) was in his element as well, to be adjudged Player of the Match. Axar Patel, promoted to No. 5, joined the party with a fine 52 off 47 balls (6×4, 1×6).
Brief Scores
England 248 in 47.4 overs (Jos Buttler 52, Jacob Bethell 51, Phil Salt 43; Ravindra Jadeja 3/26, Harshit Rana 3/53).
India 251/6 in 38.4 overs (Shubman Gill 87, Shreyas Iyer 59, Axar Patel 52; Saqib Mahmood 2/47, Adil Rashid 2/49).
Result: India won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match: Shubman Gill.
2nd ODI — Feb 9 at Cuttack.
