Fri Feb 07 01:21:21 UTC 2025: ## Iyer’s Blitz Leads India to ODI Victory Over England
**Nagpur, India** – Shreyas Iyer’s blistering 59 off 36 balls powered India to a four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. His second-fastest ODI fifty proved crucial after India lost two early wickets. Iyer’s aggressive display, particularly against the short-pitched bowling of Jofra Archer, impressed commentators like Kevin Pietersen and Parthiv Patel, who highlighted his improved technique and ability to target gaps.
While Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a gritty 87, Iyer’s counter-attacking innings was the game-changer. Patel noted a subtle technical adjustment, observing that Iyer now confidently moves into the line of the ball instead of away from it, effectively neutralizing the pace. Axar Patel also contributed a valuable fifty as India chased down a 249-run target in 38.4 overs.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, attributed the loss to their batting failure, acknowledging that another 40-50 runs would have significantly altered the match. Pietersen echoed this sentiment, criticizing England’s lack of ingenuity with both bat and ball, particularly their failure to target the stumps.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed satisfaction with the team’s comeback after a shaky start. He highlighted the strategic inclusion of a left-handed batter in the middle order to counter England’s spin bowling. Looking ahead to the second ODI in Cuttack, Gill confirmed at least one change in the lineup, with the return of Virat Kohli from a knee injury.
First Piper 