In a dominant display at Eden Gardens, Calcutta, India defeated England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the first T20I of the five-match series. Electing to bowl first, India restricted England to a modest 132, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Varun Chakraborty And Arshdeep Singh. In response, Abhishek SharmaIndia’s 79 off 34 balls ensured chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. The emphatic victory gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their overall strength.
Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball
India’s decision to make early efforts paid off as soon as Arshdeep was withdrawn Phil Salt And Ben Duckett in rapid succession.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 in the same finish. Chakravarthy’s trickery and precision left England’s middle order in shambles, as they struggled to pick up pace after a steady start by If butlerwho scored with 68 off 44 balls and finally 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 to it Sanju SamsonSharma smashed 79 runs off just 34 deliveries, including 5 fours and 8 towering sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for a quick finish. While Samson contributed 26 to the summit, and Tilak Varma made sure there was no problem with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against England Pacers, especially Jofra Archer And Marc Boiswhich defined the sleeves. His crisp strike was a treat for the crowd and he was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy surprises England by dismissing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same match | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Clinical bowling and fielding highlight India’s dominance in Kolkata
The Indian bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs and Hardik PandyaCrucial mid-range strikes meant England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel And Ravi Bishnoi kept things close with Patel also picking up 2 wickets. The effort on the field, including an exit from Samson to dismiss him Marc Boiscomplemented the bowlers’ efforts. Overall, India’s overall performance showed their preparation for the series, leaving England with plenty to think about ahead of the second T20I.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Abhishek Sharma doesn’t care about pace. The faster it goes, the farther it goes. An incredible talent. It 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 looked magnificent today and I loved the way Suryakumar Yadav used them. Was happy to give his main bowler three runs at the top. And his fielders supported the bowlers so well. England’s old weakness against scams has been well exploited.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025
Top knock by Abhi Sharma.. great way to respond when your place is questioned!! I love the character shown by the young people!! 💪🏾
-Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025
I can’t imagine a T20 team without Abhishek Sharma, he is so good. By the way, I would like to see him become a Test cricketer. His first-class average may not be remarkable, but I’m sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #INVENGE
–Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In Test cricket, you need batters who put a price on their wicket. In T20 cricket, you would generally prefer batters who don’t put a price on their wicket, as Abhishek showed again today.#INVENGE
– Hémant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
Coast India come home by 7 wickets in just 12.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant 79 from just 34 #INVENGE
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
The Indian side of the T20I is fun. Just watch for entertainment. Have fun. Go home.
– Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Well done, kid. The best shot of his short career. Lots to come from Abhishek.
– Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
I love this about New India! No fear of crickets. No fascination with 50 year olds, etc.
A selfless cricketer is always a dangerous cricketer in T20s.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar–Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Sensational shot from Abhishek Sharma 😊#cricket #INVENGE #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭. 😉#INVENGE #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
– Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025
ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 2025: Arshdeep Singh breaks Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling record in first T20I