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In a dominant performance at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India DEFEAT England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the opening T20I of the five-match series. Electing to field first, India restricted England to a modest 132, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Varun Chakraborty and Arshdeep Singh. In response, Abhishek SharmaScoring 79 off 34 balls secured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This tight win gave India an early lead in the series and highlighted their all-round strength.
Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball
India’s decision to be the first to pay dividends early in Arshdeep’s dismissal Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s spellbinding bowling. He picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the key scalps of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone the same as above. Chakravarthy’s trickery and precision left England’s middle order in shambles, as they struggled to pick up the pace after a steady start to If Buttlerwho top-scored with 68 off 44 balls and eventually fell to Varun. England’s lower order offered little resistance, folding for just 132.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England
India’s chase started on a steady note, but Abhishek made it a one-man show. Opening next door Sanju SamsonSharma smashed 79 runs in just 34 deliveries, including 5 fours and 8 towering sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for the quick finish. While Samson contributed 26 above, and Tilak Varma ensured no hiccups in an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against the England pacers, especially Jofra Archer and Mark Woodwhich defines the innings. His clean strike was a treat for the crowd, and he was rightly named the Player of the Match.
also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy shocks England by dismissing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Clinical bowling and fielding highlighted India’s dominance in Kolkata
India’s bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s first breakthroughs and Hardik PandyaCrucial strikes in the middle overs ensured that England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, with Patel also taking 2 wickets. Farming effort, including a run-out by Samson to dismiss Mark Woodadded to the efforts of the bowlers. All in all, India’s all-round performance showed their readiness for the series, leaving England with plenty to ponder ahead of the second T20I.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Abhishek Sharma doesn’t mind the pace. The faster it comes the more. Unbelievable talent. Reminds me of his mentor Yuvraj Singh.
— M (@angrypakistan) January 22, 2025
India’s best format is T20 .. they have an amazing group of players .. #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 22, 2025
Indian spinners are great now and I love how Suryakumar Yadav is using them. Delighted to give his lead bowler three overs. And his fielders supported the bowlers well. England’s old weakness against spin was well exploited.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025
Top knock by Abhi Sharma.. good way to answer when ur spot is asked!! Loved the character the youth showed!! 💪🏾
– Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025
Can’t imagine a T20 side without Abhishek Sharma, he is so good. On a side note, I would love to see him become a Test cricketer. His first-class average might not look like much, but I’m sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #INVENG
– Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In Test cricket, you need batters who have a price for their wicket. In T20 cricket, you prefer batters who don’t put a price on their wicket, as Abhishek showed today..#INVENG
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
India coast home by 7 wickets in 12.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant 79 off just 34. #INVENG
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
India’s T20I side is entertaining. Just watch for entertainment. Have fun. go home.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Well played boy. Best knock of his short career. A lot came from Abhishek.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
Love it from New India! Fearless cricket. No interest for individual 50s and others.
A selfless cricketer is always a dangerous cricketer in T20s.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Fun knock from Abhishek Sharma 😊#cricket #INVENG #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
𝐂𝐡𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 _____. 😉#INVENG #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025
