Abhishek Sharma's Blistering 79 Leads India to Dominant Win Over England in First T20I

India 133 for 3 (Abhishek 79, Samson 26; Archer 2-21) beat England 132 (Buttler 68; Varun 3-23, Arshdeep 2-17) by seven wickets.

India cruised to a seven-wicket victory against England in the first T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with Abhishek Sharma smashing an unbeaten 79 from just 34 balls, guiding India past England's paltry total of 132 with 43 balls to spare. The victory, set up by a solid bowling performance led by Arshdeep Singh (2 for 17) and Varun Chakravarthy (3 for 23), put India 1-0 up in the five-match series.

England's Struggles Against India’s Bowlers

England's batting fell apart against India’s bowlers after losing the toss to India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, in damp, dew-laden conditions. The hosts made the most of the early moisture as Arshdeep Singh removed openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in his first two overs, reducing England to 12 for 2.

Jos Buttler tried to steady the ship with a brilliant 68, but he found little support. Chakravarthy's well-timed introduction turned the game in India's favor. He dismissed Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in quick succession and then claimed Buttler's wicket to leave England struggling at 109 for 7. England’s hopes of reaching a competitive total were dashed as they finished with just 132.

India's Commanding Chase Led by Abhishek Sharma

The chase for 133 was never in doubt, even after Jofra Archer took two quick wickets, removing Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over. But Abhishek Sharma, who had been dropped on 29 by Adil Rashid, made sure India stayed on course. His half-century came off just 24 balls, and he made 79 not out, guiding India past the target comfortably.

Tilak Varma sealed the win with a top-edged four, and India wrapped up the game with 43 balls to spare. Archer was the pick of the England bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 21, but India’s clinical chase ensured they dominated the opening game.

Match Highlights:

• Arshdeep Singh's early breakthroughs were critical in dismissing the England openers.
• Varun Chakravarthy's excellent spell of 3 for 23 destabilized England's middle order.
• Abhishek Sharma played a match-winning knock of 79*, continuing his fine T20I form.
• Jos Buttler was the lone bright spot for England with 68 runs, but he lacked support.

What’s Next?

India will be pleased with their all-round performance, while England will have to regroup quickly. The second T20I promises to be an exciting contest, with England hoping to bounce back strong.