Fri Jan 24 07:30:43 IST 2025: ## India Wins First T20 Against England by 7 Wickets; Abhishek Sharma Blasts 79
**Kolkata, India:** India dominated the first T20I against England, securing a resounding 7-wicket victory at the Eden Gardens. Young opener Abhishek Sharma stole the show with a breathtaking 79 off just 34 balls, studded with 5 fours and 8 sixes. His explosive innings steered India to a comfortable chase of 133 runs in just 12.5 overs.
England, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, were restricted to a modest 132 runs. Jos Buttler top-scored with 68, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. Varun Chakravarthy led the Indian bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya each claimed two.
India’s chase wasn’t without its hiccups. They lost early wickets of Sanju Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav, but Abhishek’s blistering knock turned the game decisively in India’s favour. His innings ended with 8 runs still needed but by then, the victory was assured. Hardik Pandya finished the chase.
This win gives India a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. The next match is yet to be scheduled. Other news includes a reported Naxal encounter in Jharkhand, a mysterious illness causing deaths in a Jammu village, and a pension suspension for a former MDM DPO.
First Piper 