London: India kicked off their ODI series against England with a convincing victory, defeating the hosts by six wickets in the opening match to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win also marked India’s first triumph on their ongoing tour of England.
After winning the toss, England opted to bat first but were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs. Ben Duckett (46) and Jacob Bethell (14) provided a steady start before the middle order faltered under pressure.
Joe Root remained unbeaten on 76, while Liam Dawson scored 68 as the duo stitched together a crucial 121-run partnership for the seventh wicket to rescue England from a difficult position and help post a competitive total.
For India, Axar Patel starred with the ball, claiming four wickets. Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar chipped in with two wickets each to keep England in check.
Chasing 259, India suffered early setbacks as Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) departed cheaply. Captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer then steadied the innings with a century partnership that put the visitors back in control.
Gill retired hurt after a fluent 80, while Iyer was run out after a valuable knock, leaving the middle order with work to do.
Washington Sundar and Axar Patel ensured there were no further hiccups, producing unbeaten half-centuries to guide India home comfortably in 45.2 overs. Axar remained unbeaten on 57, while Sundar finished on 50 not out as India sealed a comprehensive victory with 28 balls to spare.
