Gill, Axar Shine As India Beat England By Six Wickets In 1st ODI

BIRMINGHAM, JULY 15: Captain Shubman Gill produced a classy knock of 80 while Axar Patel starred with both bat and ball as India defeated England by six wickets in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a target of 259, India overcame early setbacks to reach 262/4 in 45.2 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 102-run partnership between Axar Patel (57 not out) and Washington Sundar (52 not out). Gill set the platform with an elegant 80 off 75 balls, striking 11 fours and a six before retiring hurt due to cramps and a hamstring issue. Earlier, he shared a crucial 101-run stand with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 35. India’s chase began on a shaky note as Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) were dismissed early, leaving the visitors at 48/2. After Gill retired hurt and Iyer was run out, England briefly clawed back into the contest before Axar and Washington guided India home with a composed partnership. Axar capped an outstanding all-round performance after earlier claiming 4 wickets for 62 runs, helping restrict England despite a fighting recovery by the hosts. Opting to bat first, England were reduced from 61/0 to 107/6 before Joe Root and Liam Dawson rescued the innings with a seventh-wicket stand of 121 runs. Root top-scored with 76, while Dawson registered a career-best 68, taking England to 258 all out in 47.5 overs. Among India’s bowlers, Axar Patel was the standout performer with 4/62, while Prasidh Krishna (2/50) and Gurnoor Brar (2/61) provided key breakthroughs. Jasprit Bumrah was highly economical, finishing with 1/31 in nine overs. The victory gives India its first win of the ongoing tour of the United Kingdom and puts the visitors in a commanding position ahead of the remaining two ODIs.