Thu Feb 06 15:45:54 UTC 2025: ## India Clinches Thrilling ODI Victory Over England in Nagpur

**Nagpur, India** – India secured a convincing 4-wicket victory over England in the first One Day International (ODI) at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer (59), Shubman Gill (87), and Axar Patel (52) steered India to victory, chasing down England’s 248.

England, electing to bat first, got off to a strong start with a 71-run opening partnership. However, the run-out of Phil Salt (43) triggered a collapse. Jos Buttler (51) and Jacob Bethell (51) offered resistance, but India’s bowlers, spearheaded by debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/26), kept England in check, restricting them to 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s chase began poorly, losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma cheaply. However, a crucial 94-run stand between Iyer and Gill revived the innings. Gill then partnered with Axar Patel for a 108-run stand, bringing India within touching distance of victory. Despite Gill’s dismissal for a brilliant 87 and the later loss of Axar and KL Rahul, India reached the target in 38.4 overs. Hardik Pandya’s late six sealed the win.

Virat Kohli’s absence due to a sore right knee was notable. Rana, reflecting on his impressive debut, credited his success to bowling in the right areas and exploiting the pitch’s variations.

The series continues with the second ODI on Sunday.

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