Shubman Gill powers India to six-wicket win over England

BIRMINGHAM: India captain Shubman Gill produced another memorable performance at Edgbaston as his side defeated England by six wickets in the opening match of the three-match One-Day International series, taking a 1-0 lead.

Chasing a target of 259, India reached the finish line with 28 balls to spare, bouncing back strongly after disappointing T20 series defeats to Ireland and England earlier on the tour.

Gill once again proved why Edgbaston has become one of his favorite venues, top-scoring with a fluent 80 off 75 balls. His innings laid the foundation for India’s successful chase before he retired hurt with what appeared to be cramp. Team officials later indicated that the skipper is expected to be fit for the second ODI in Cardiff.

India’s chase got off to a shaky start after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, leaving the visitors at 48-2. Gill and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with an impressive century partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

After Gill left the field, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel ensured there would be no late collapse. The pair struck unbeaten half-centuries—Sundar finishing on 52 not out and Patel on 57 not out—while sharing an unbroken 102-run partnership that sealed a comfortable victory.

Speaking after the match, Gill praised his middle order for finishing the chase in style, saying the performance would boost the team’s confidence ahead of the remaining matches.

Earlier, India’s bowlers set up the victory by triggering a dramatic collapse in England’s innings. The hosts slumped from 61 without loss to 80-5, with the visitors claiming five wickets for just 19 runs.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel starred with the ball, taking 4-62, while returning pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered another disciplined spell, conceding only 31 runs in nine overs and claiming a key wicket.

Despite a fighting 76 not out from Joe Root and 68 from Liam Dawson, England were bowled out for 258 with 13 balls remaining.

The second ODI will be played in Cardiff, where England will look to level the series, while India aim to clinch another convincing victory and secure the series with a game to spare.