Wed Jan 22 13:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India Wins Toss, Bowls First in T20 Series Opener Against England
Kolkata, India – India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of the five-match T20 series against England at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. This marks the first T20 encounter between the two nations at this venue in 14 years.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, cited a potentially sticky wicket and the expectation of later evening dew as reasons for his decision. England captain Jos Buttler expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform well despite the conditions.
The match saw an early impact from India’s Arshdeep Singh, who dismissed Phil Salt in the first over. He later claimed the wicket of Ben Duckett, taking his T20I wicket tally to 97, making him India’s highest wicket-taker in the format. Varun Chakravarthy provided a double blow in the eighth over, dismissing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone. Axar Patel also contributed, trapping Jamie Overton lbw. Despite these wickets, Jos Buttler anchored the England innings, scoring a half-century.
Mohammed Shami, recovering from an injury, was notably absent from India’s playing XI. England also faced some key absences, missing players like Reece Topley, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks. However, young Jacob Bethell looked to make his mark.
The powerplay saw England reach 46/2, with Buttler and Brook at the crease. The match continued with a close contest between bat and ball. The detailed score will be available as the match progresses. The series is highly anticipated, featuring some of the most talented players from both teams.
First Piper 