Daijiworld Media Network – Birmingham
Birmingham, Jul 15: India defeated England by six wickets in the opening One-Day International at Edgbaston on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Asked to bat first, England were bowled out for 258 in 48 overs. Joe Root top-scored with an unbeaten 76, while Liam Dawson contributed 68. Axar Patel starred with the ball for India, claiming four wickets.
In reply, India chased down the target comfortably in the 46th over. Captain Shubman Gill led the innings with a fluent 80 before retiring hurt, while Washington Sundar and Axar Patel remained unbeaten after scoring half-centuries to guide the visitors to victory.
Axar Patel was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, having excelled with both bat and ball.
The second ODI will be played at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Friday, while the third and final match is scheduled at Lord's in London on Sunday.