Thu Feb 06 13:41:58 UTC 2025: **India Chases Down 249 in Thrilling Nagpur ODI Opener**
Nagpur, India – India got off to a strong start in their three-match ODI series against England, successfully chasing down a challenging 249-run target in the first match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on February 6th, 2025.
England, winning the toss and electing to bat first, initially looked strong, with a 75-run opening partnership. However, they then lost four quick wickets, stumbling to 114/4 after 20 overs. Captain Jos Buttler steadied the innings with a 52-run knock off 67 balls, but consistent wickets hampered England’s progress. Significant contributions from Jacob Bethell (51 off 64) and Jofra Archer (21 off 18) helped England reach a respectable 248 all out. Ravindra Jadeja and Harshit Rana were the pick of the Indian bowlers, each taking three wickets.
India’s chase was punctuated by a stunning half-century from Shreyas Iyer, who smashed 59 runs off just 36 balls, before being dismissed by Jacob Bethell. Iyer’s explosive innings propelled India past the halfway mark, despite early setbacks with the loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal (15) and Rohit Sharma (2). While India lost three wickets, Shubman Gill and others ensured a comfortable victory. The win marks a positive start for India in the ODI series. The match also saw the ODI debuts for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana for India.
First Piper 