Thu Feb 06 23:18:13 UTC 2025: ## India Restricts England to 248 in First ODI Despite Salt’s Blitz
**Nagpur, India:** India’s bowlers, led by debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/26), restricted England to a below-par 248 in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. The total was achieved despite a rapid 43 from Phil Salt and fifties from Jos Buttler (52) and Jacob Bethell (51).
England got off to a flying start, reaching 50 without loss in just 36 balls, with Salt hammering Rana for 26 runs in a single over. However, a run-out and some impressive bowling from Rana, who claimed two wickets in a maiden over, pegged England back. Jadeja also played a crucial role, taking three wickets to dismantle the middle order. Buttler’s half-century provided some stability, but the Indian bowlers maintained the pressure, ultimately restricting England to a manageable total. The innings ended with Jofra Archer’s late flourish.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, had a disastrous start to the series, dismissed for just 2 runs. His poor form continues after a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, raising concerns about his future ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The relatively low score puts India in a strong position to win the first ODI, particularly with the expectation of dew making bowling conditions challenging in the second innings. Virat Kohli’s absence due to a knee injury added pressure on the Indian bowling attack, which ultimately responded effectively.
First Piper 