India vs England 1st ODI ended with a convincing six-wicket victory for India at Edgbaston, Birmingham, as Axar Patel delivered an outstanding all-round performance to guide the visitors to a winning start in the three-match ODI series. After claiming four wickets to restrict England to 258, Axar returned to score an unbeaten half-century, helping India chase down the target with 28 balls to spare.
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and provides a much-needed boost after a difficult white-ball tour of the United Kingdom.
Axar Patel Leads India’s Bowling Effort
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bat first on a surface that initially appeared suitable for batting. However, India’s bowlers steadily tightened their grip after England made a positive start.
Openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell cautiously built the innings, reaching 51 without loss after the first 10 overs. Duckett looked in excellent touch, striking boundaries freely, while Bethell played the supporting role.
India’s breakthrough came through Gurnoor Brar, who changed the course of the innings in a single over. He first dismissed Bethell for 14 before removing the dangerous Duckett for 45, reducing England from a comfortable position to 63 for 2.
The pressure increased immediately when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed captain Harry Brook for just one run. England’s middle order continued to struggle as Prasidh Krishna removed Jos Buttler for five and Sam Curran without scoring, leaving the hosts reeling at 80 for 5.
Joe Root and Liam Dawson Rescue England
With England in serious trouble, experienced batter Joe Root and all-rounder Liam Dawson produced an important partnership to rebuild the innings.
The pair absorbed the pressure before gradually increasing the scoring rate. Dawson reached a composed half-century from 65 deliveries, while Root anchored the innings with another classy ODI knock.
England crossed the 200-run mark during the 40th over as the partnership restored respectability to the total.
Dawson eventually departed after scoring 68 from 83 balls, including six fours and one six. Root remained unbeaten on 76 from 76 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and a six to keep England competitive until the end.
Axar Patel returned in the closing overs to dismantle the lower order, dismissing Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Josh Tongue. England were eventually bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs.
India’s bowling figures reflected a complete team effort. Axar Patel finished with four wickets, while Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar picked up two wickets each. Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube claimed one wicket apiece.
India Lose Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Early
India’s chase did not begin as planned.
Former captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 11 after edging Sam Curran, while Virat Kohli fell cheaply for five after being trapped leg before wicket by Jofra Archer.
At 48 for 2, England sensed an opportunity to seize control of the match.
Shubman Gill Anchors the Chase
Captain Shubman Gill responded with a calm and mature innings under pressure.
Gill rebuilt the innings alongside Shreyas Iyer, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. He completed a fluent half-century from just 51 balls and ensured India reached 100 inside 20 overs.
The partnership steadily shifted momentum towards the visitors as Gill displayed excellent timing and composure throughout his innings.
He eventually retired hurt after scoring an impressive 80 from 75 deliveries, having struck 11 fours and one six. The retirement was reportedly due to discomfort in his hamstring, though his contribution had already placed India firmly in control.
Middle-Order Faces Brief Setback
After Gill left the field, India briefly lost momentum.
Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a useful 35, was run out after a misunderstanding between the wickets. Shortly afterwards, KL Rahul was bowled for just one run, giving England a glimmer of hope.
Despite the quick wickets, India still required fewer than 100 runs with plenty of overs remaining.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar Finish the Job
Axar Patel once again proved his value by making a crucial contribution with the bat.
Coming in during a slightly tense phase of the chase, Axar played positively from the outset. He reached his half-century in only 39 balls, finding the boundary regularly while keeping the required run rate comfortably under control.
Washington Sundar provided excellent support at the other end. The all-rounder played a composed innings, rotating the strike intelligently and punishing scoring opportunities whenever they came.
Sundar completed an unbeaten half-century from 63 deliveries, while Axar remained not out on 57 from 52 balls, including five fours and a six.
The pair shared an unbeaten partnership that guided India to 262 for 4 in 45.2 overs, sealing victory by six wickets with more than four overs remaining.
Axar Patel Named the Match’s Standout Performer
Axar Patel was undoubtedly the central figure of the contest.
His four-wicket spell prevented England from posting a much bigger total after Root and Dawson’s recovery partnership. Later, his unbeaten 57 ensured India completed the chase comfortably despite losing early wickets.
Producing significant contributions with both bat and ball, Axar delivered one of the finest all-round performances of his ODI career and played the biggest role in India’s opening victory.
Key Performances
England:
Joe Root – 76* (76 balls)
Liam Dawson – 68 (83 balls)
Ben Duckett – 45
India Bowling:
Axar Patel – 4 wickets
Gurnoor Brar – 2 wickets
Prasidh Krishna – 2 wickets
Jasprit Bumrah – 1 wicket
Shivam Dube – 1 wicket
India Batting:
Shubman Gill – 80 (retired hurt)
Axar Patel – 57* (52 balls)
Washington Sundar – 52* (63 balls)
Shreyas Iyer – 35
India Take 1-0 Lead in the ODI Series
The victory gives India an early advantage in the three-match ODI series. While England showed resilience through Joe Root and Liam Dawson after a dramatic collapse, India’s balanced performance with both bat and ball proved decisive.
The match also highlighted the depth of India’s all-round resources, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar making valuable contributions after the top order had lost two experienced batters early.
India will now head into the second ODI with confidence, aiming to secure the series, while England will need a stronger all-round display to level the contest. The second match is scheduled to be played on 16 July, with the hosts looking to bounce back after India’s comprehensive opening victory.
