India’s spin trio delivered an impressive performance, achieving figures of 5/67 across their 12 overs, thereby establishing a strong precedent in the T20I series. This effort contributed significantly to their commanding seven-wicket victory over England in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. In a matchup anticipated as a showdown between two formidable batting lineups, India showcased their spin bowling strength in home conditions, restricting England to a mere 132 runs. A remarkable innings from Abhishek Sharma, who scored swiftly, ensured the match concluded with 43 balls remaining.
India restrict England to a mere total of 132 runs
India confidently opted to bowl first, leveraging their spin-heavy attack, which resulted in a delay for Mohammed Shami’s return to the field. Arshdeep Singh, however, made an immediate impact with the new ball, surprising Phil Salt with a short delivery that seamed, leading to an early dismissal via a leading edge. Ben Duckett also fell victim to Singh, managing a leading edge off a comparatively fuller delivery. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler found his rhythm against Hardik Pandya, striking six boundaries in just two overs, prompting Suryakumar Yadav to reconsider his bowling strategy.
Despite Buttler and Harry Brook hitting a six each in Axar Patel’s opening over, providing England with a brief surge, the momentum quickly dissipated as Chakaravarthy’s double-wicket over unsettled the English side. Both Brook and Liam Livingstone were dismissed by the googly, losing their wickets in quick succession. Jacob Bethell’s debut in India was underwhelming, as he appeared anxious and struggled during his brief innings, ultimately hitting a well-timed shot directly to a fielder in the deep.
Without Buttler’s contributions, England’s situation would have been dire, as he consistently found the boundary while wickets fell at the other end. By the conclusion of the 15th over, he had accumulated over 60% of the team’s runs. However, his hopes of further increasing his score were dashed when Nitish Reddy executed a remarkable diving catch, sending Buttler back to the pavilion. Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid managed to push the total past 130 runs, but it was insufficient to pose a serious challenge to the home team, particularly with dew conditions favoring the bowlers.
Abhishek Sharma's attacking knock does the work for India
Sanju Samson, as anticipated, entered a dominant phase following Archer’s initial over. Gus Atkinson was introduced into the bowling attack, and Samson greeted him with a boundary, subsequently hitting three more fours and a six, swiftly reducing the target by 22 runs in just six deliveries. While he was cautious against Mark Wood in his first over, Samson attempted to rectify this in the next over but misjudged a shot, resulting in his dismissal near deep midwicket. Archer quickly claimed another wicket, as Suryakumar, attempting a flick, produced a leading edge that led to his catch.
Conversely, Abhishek, at the opposite end, successfully faced the fast bowling, striking consecutive sixes off Wood after having already scored against Archer. Consequently, India surged to 63 runs during the powerplay, with victory clearly within reach. Following a dropped catch by Rashid off his own bowling, Abhishek seized the opportunity, hitting 4, 6, 6 in the same over, and then cleared the boundary once more in the subsequent over, achieving a remarkable half-century in just 20 balls.
Tilak Varma observed from the other end as India reached the 100-run mark in merely 10 overs. Abhishek continued his aggressive approach to conclude the innings, targeting Atkinson before a googly from Rashid finally halted the excitement just one over before India completed their victory.
SCORECARD: 132 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 68; Varun Chakaravarthy 3/23, Arshdeep Singh 2/17) lost to India 133/3 in 12.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 79; Jofra Archer 2/21) by 7 wickets
