In a commanding display at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the opening T20I of the five-match series. By opting 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 SharmaIncredible 79 off 34 balls secured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This resounding victory gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their all-round strength.
Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball
India’s decision to introduce early dividends paid off early as Arshdeep was eliminated Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s mesmerizing bowling. He picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the key scalps of Harry Brook and Liam Livingston in the same finish. Chakravarthy’s guile and precision left England’s middle order in ruins as they struggled to accelerate after a steady start yes butlerwho top-scored with 68 off 44 balls and finally fell to Varun. England’s lower order offered little resistance, retreating for just 132.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England
India’s chase started on a firm note but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Side opening Sanju SamsonSharma scored 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 at the top, and tilak varma ensured there were no hiccups with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against England’s pacers, particularly Jofra Archer and wooden framesthat defined the entries. His clean knock was a crowd pleaser and he was rightly named Player of the Match.
Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | 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. The first developments of Arshdeep and Hardik PandyaCrucial blows in the middle games ensured England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, with Patel also picking up 2 wickets. The fielding effort, including an attempt by Samson to dismiss wooden framescomplemented the efforts of the bowlers. Overall, India’s overall performance demonstrated their readiness for the series, leaving England with a lot to reflect on ahead of the second T20I.
This is how Twitter reacted:
Abhishek Sharma doesn’t care about pace. The faster it comes, the farther it goes. Incredible talent. He 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
The Indian spinners were magnificent today and I loved how Suryakumar Yadav used them. He was happy to give his leading player three on top. And their defenders supported the pitchers very well. England’s old weakness against misrepresentations was 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, so good. By the way, I would love to see him become a Test cricketer. His first-class average may not stand out, but I am sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #INVENGE
– Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In Test cricket, you need batsmen who put a price on their wicket. In T20 cricket, you would normally prefer batsmen who don’t put a price on their wicket, as Abhishek proved again today.#INVENGE
-Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
India closes home by 7 wickets in just 12.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant 79 in just 34 #INVENGE
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
India’s T20I side is fun. Just watch for entertainment. Have fun. Go home.
– Fool Point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Well played boy. The best hit so far of his short career. Much to come from Abhishek.
—Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
I love this from New India! Don’t be afraid of cricket. No fascination with 50-year-olds, etc.
The selfless cricketer is always a dangerous cricketer in T20s.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar– Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Abhishek Sharma’s sensational knock 😊#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 #KingsofPunjab pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
– Kings of Punjab (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025