India opened their three-match One Day International (ODI) series against England with a six-wicket victory at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 259 runs, India reached the total with 28 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
India captain Shubman Gill played a pivotal role, top-scoring with 80 runs off 75 balls before retiring hurt due to cramp. A team spokesperson later confirmed that Gill, who has a strong record at Edgbaston, is expected to be fit for the second ODI scheduled in Cardiff on Thursday. Gill previously recorded historic Test match milestones at the same ground, including the first double century and a score of 150 in opposing innings during a single match.
After losing key wickets early—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fell in quick succession leaving the team at 48-2—Gill combined with Shreyas Iyer to build a crucial century partnership. Following Gill’s departure, India were briefly pegged back at 160-4, but a resilient stand between Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 52, and Axar Patel, not out on 57, put the match beyond England’s reach. Their unbroken partnership of 102 runs included a flurry of boundaries, sealing the victory for India.
Gill praised his team’s middle and lower-order resilience at the post-match presentation, highlighting the confidence it provides in close contests. He also commended India’s bowling attack, describing it as “youngish” but effective, particularly in the middle overs where they bowled “in the right areas.”
England’s innings collapsed dramatically after a promising start. The home side reached 61 without loss, but then lost five wickets for 19 runs, finishing at 258 all out. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel was named player of the match for his figures of 4 wickets for 62 runs, including a key contribution with the bat.
England captain Harry Brook credited his team’s lower order for pushing the total to a defendable score. Joe Root scored a composed 76 not out, while Liam Dawson posted his highest ODI score of 68. Their 121-run partnership for the seventh wicket delayed defeat but could not prevent the loss.
The match saw some notable moments for individual players. Virat Kohli, playing possibly his last ODI series in England after retiring from Test and T20 formats, was dismissed lbw for five by fast bowler Jofra Archer. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to the ODI side after being rested during the recent T20 series, took one wicket and bowled economically. Meanwhile, England’s Jos Buttler, fresh off a century in the T20 series finale, managed just five runs in his 200th ODI appearance.
England, ranked first in T20 internationals but eighth in the ODI standings, face pressure to improve their performances ahead of next year’s World Cup in southern Africa. India, meanwhile, will look to build on their first win as the series continues in Cardiff on Thursday.