Ind vs Eng 1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy shine as India crush England by seven wickets

Team India registered a dominating seven wicket victory over England in the first T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday. Team India chased down the target of 133 runs in just 12.5 overs.

Choosing to bowl first, India restricted England to 132 all out as the visitor batters struggled against the spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy (3/23), Axar Patel (2/22) and Ravi Bishnoi (0/22). However, captain Jos Buttler led from the front with 68 runs off 44 balls. Only two other English batters could reach double figures. Pacers Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya also picked a couple of wickets each. The left-arm pacer now has 96 wickets in the format, making him the highest wicket taker for an Indian.

Chakravarthy was named the player of the match for his effort with the ball.



Chasing the target, India started off quickly as opener Abhishek Sharma raced to a 20-ball 50. He ended the innings with 79 runs off just 34 balls, including five fours and eight fours. His opening partner Sanju Samson scored 26 runs, while Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 19 runs. For England, Jofra Archer stared with the ball with 2/21.


The two teams are facing-off in a five-match T20I series and the second match will be played on January 25 in Chennai.