Ahmedabad: A clinical England thrashed India by 8 wickets in the first T20I here on Friday, to go 1-0 up in the 5-match series.India was restricted to 124 for 7 in stipulated 20 overs despite Shreyas Iyer's career-best 67.
For England, Jofra Archer (3/23) scalped three wickets, while Chris Jordon (1/27), Adil Rashid (1/14), Mark Wood (1/20) and Ben Stokes (1/25) picked up one each.
In reply, England got to the target in just 15.3 overs and handed India an 8-wicket defeat in the series opener.Jason Roy (49), Jos Buttler (28), Dawid Malan (24*) and Jonny Bairstow (26*) were the main scorers for India.
Yuzvendra Chahal 1/44 and Washington Sundar 1/18 were the wicket-takers for India.Both teams will now meet in the 2nd T20I on Sunday at the same venue.
Skipper Virat Kohli who made it clear left-hand Right-hand batting combination won't last long longer after Rohit Sharma was fit to be inducted, surprised with the playing XI. Instead of dropping Shikhar Dhawan who is going through a lean patch in T20Is Skipper opted for Rohit to warm the bench. According to the sources, Rohit Sharma will be seen in the Indian dugout for the next match too.
The Indian team had a nightmare start with Jofra castling KL Rahul and then Skipper Virat Kohli getting out on a duck. It was the first instance for Virat Kohli to depart without opening an account second time in a trot. Soon Shikhar Dhawan departed. Rishabh pant played a cameo but didn't consider the innings. Thanks to the 55 run stand between Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer India reached 124 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Jofra archer was the pick of the bowler with 4 overs 23 runs 1 maiden and 3 wickets
Chasing a modest target England played attacking cricket and piled up 50 runs in the first powerplay to keep India out of the contest. A 72 run opening partnership for England ensured that there would be no hiccups for the visiting side. Jason Roy scored a quick fire 49 runs in 32 balls which included 4 fours and 3 sixes. Yuzi Chahal and Washington Sundar picked both the openers before Malan six sealed England's victory.. (UNI)
