Fri Feb 07 05:31:02 UTC 2025: ## India Clinches Thrilling ODI Victory Over England in Nagpur
**Nagpur, India** – India stormed to a four-wicket victory over England in the first One Day International (ODI) at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. A stellar batting performance, spearheaded by half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer (59), Shubman Gill (87), and Axar Patel (52), saw India chase down England’s 248 despite a shaky start.
England, electing to bat first, began strongly with a 71-run opening partnership. However, the run out of Phil Salt (43) triggered a collapse, with wickets falling regularly despite contributions from Jos Buttler (51), Jacob Bethell (51), and Ben Duckett (32). India’s bowling attack was dominant, with debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) leading the charge. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Axar Patel each claimed a wicket.
India’s chase faced early setbacks with the loss of openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. But Iyer and Gill steadied the ship with a crucial 94-run partnership. Gill continued his impressive form, later adding a 108-run stand with Axar Patel to push India towards victory. Although Gill fell just short of a century, brilliantly caught by Buttler, Axar’s fifty and crucial late-innings contributions from Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja ensured India crossed the line in 38.4 overs.
Rana, reflecting on his debut performance, highlighted the Indian bowling strategy and the pitch’s assistance in containing England’s run-scoring. He noted the calculated approach adopted by Gill and Axar in their match-winning partnership. The absence of Virat Kohli due to a sore right knee was also noted.
The series continues with the second ODI on Sunday.
First Piper 