Thu Feb 06 14:06:04 UTC 2025: ## Iyer Blazes to Fifty as India Chases in Nagpur Thriller
**Nagpur, India (Feb 6, 2025)** – Shreyas Iyer smashed a breathtaking half-century off just 30 balls, propelling India’s chase in a thrilling ODI against England at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. India, chasing England’s 248, reached 119/3 in 17 overs at the time of writing, with Iyer’s explosive innings the highlight.
England, winning the toss and electing to bat first, were bowled out for 248 in 47.4 overs. Captain Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell both scored half-centuries for England. India’s debutant Harshith Rana and veteran Ravindra Jadeja each claimed three wickets.
Iyer’s innings was a masterclass of aggressive batting, featuring nine fours and two sixes. He reached his fifty with a boundary in the 14th over, pushing India past the 100-run mark. His innings ended on 59 when he was lbw to Bethell in the 15.6 over.
Earlier, India’s top order struggled, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (15) and Rohit Sharma (2) falling early. However, Iyer and Shubman Gill steadied the ship, putting on a fifty-run partnership for the second wicket before Iyer’s dismissal. Gill and Axar Patel remained unbeaten at the crease when the report was filed.
For England, Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood took a wicket apiece. England’s bowling attack was led by players such as Bradon Carse and others.
Despite his dismissal, Iyer’s impressive performance is likely to silence some of his critics, who had questioned his form following the recent World Cup. The match remains closely contested, with India still needing a significant number of runs to secure victory.
First Piper 