xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: An all-round show from Hardik Pandya has helped India beat England by 50 runs in the first T20I at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday. The dashing all rounder scored a 33 ball 51 and bagged 4/33 to rattle the opponent. Riding on Hardik’s fifty, India posted a daunting 198/8.

Chasing 199 runs to win, England were blown away by India’s pace attack. Harshal Patel gave India a huge breakthrough as he removed Jos Buttler in the first over. Debutant Arshdeep Singh too was impressive, starting with a maiden over. He took two wickets as well. But it was left to Hardik Pandya who rattled the English batters. He removed Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone to break England’s backbone.

While Harry Brook and Moeen Ali stitched together a 61-run to launch a fightback but India were all over them. Yuzvendra Chahal struck twice in his third over, removing Ali and Brook. Hardik then returned get his four-fer with Sam Curran’s wicket to end England’s hopes.

Earlier, opting to bat, India was off to a fine start with skipper Rohit Sharma scoring 14-ball 24. Deepak Hooda continued his good form as he smashed 17-ball 33. Suryakumar Yadav, fell short of his fifty as he smashed 19-ball 39. However, Hardik Pandya (51 off 33) helped India post 198/8 while Dinesh Karthik’s 7-ball 11 too helped a little in the cause.

However, despite all the positives, what will concern India is their poor fielding. India dropped a total of 5 chances.

The second T20I will be played at the Edgbaston cricket ground on Saturday.