India secured a commanding seven-wicket win over England in the opening T20I of the five-match series in Kolkata. Chasing a modest target of 133, the hosts displayed dominance, thanks to a spectacular knock by Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 79 runs off just 34 balls. His explosive innings set the tone for India’s comfortable chase, achieved in just 12.5 overs. Sanju Samson contributed 26 runs off 20 balls, while Tilak Varma chipped in with an unbeaten 19 off 16 deliveries, ensuring a smooth finish for the team.
Abhishek’s blistering innings included a flurry of boundaries and sixes, underlining his aggressive approach. His fifty, reached in just 20 balls, places him in elite company among Indian players. He now holds the record for the second-fastest T20I fifty against England, trailing only Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball effort in Durban in 2007.
India’s chase began strongly with openers Abhishek and Samson putting together a vital partnership. The duo’s effort dismantled England’s bowling attack early on, leaving little room for a comeback. After Samson’s dismissal for 26, Abhishek carried on his onslaught, ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase. Tilak Varma’s calm presence at the crease further cemented India’s dominance.
Earlier in the game, India’s bowlers set the stage with a disciplined performance. Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three crucial wickets. His ability to deceive batters with his variations proved instrumental in restricting England to a below-par total.
The seamers also played a significant role, with Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel picking up two wickets each. England’s batting revolved around Jos Buttler, who top-scored with a valiant 68 off 44 balls. Despite his efforts, the rest of the lineup struggled against India’s disciplined attack, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Summarizing his team’s performance, Abhishek said, “It feels great to contribute to the team’s victory. The wicket was good for batting, and I tried to capitalize on the loose deliveries. Winning the first match of the series gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.”
This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, and the team will look to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches. The second T20I is scheduled for later this week, where England will aim to bounce back and level the series.
Fastest Fifties for India Against England in T20Is (Balls Faced):
- Yuvraj Singh – 12 balls (Durban, 2007)
- Abhishek Sharma – 20 balls (Kolkata, 2025)
- KL Rahul – 27 balls (Manchester, 2018)
India’s clinical all-round performance showcased their strength in both departments, making them the team to beat in this series. With Abhishek Sharma’s electrifying innings and the bowlers’ consistent efforts, the hosts have set the tone for an exciting series ahead.