Birmingham: Shubman Gill produced a classy captain’s knock while Axar Patel delivered a superb all-round performance as India national cricket team defeated England cricket team by six wickets in the first ODI at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
India chased down a target of 259 with ease, finishing at 262/4 in 45.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gill anchors chase with elegant 80
Gill once again showed why Edgbaston has become a special venue for him, crafting a fluent 80 off 75 balls. His innings, laced with 11 fours and a six, combined elegance with control as he guided India through the chase.
Despite battling a hamstring issue and cramps, Gill dominated the English bowlers with his signature cover drives and on-drives. He was forced to retire hurt just when a century seemed within reach.
After early setbacks — including quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) — Gill took charge, stitching a crucial 101-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (35).
Axar, Washington finish the job
After Gill’s departure, England briefly clawed back into the game with quick wickets. Iyer was run out, while KL Rahul fell to pace.
However, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar steadied the innings with a match-winning unbeaten partnership of 102 runs.
Axar remained not out on 57 off 52 balls, while Washington scored an equally composed 52* off 63 deliveries. The duo handled the pressure expertly, especially against a fiery spell from Jofra Archer, and ensured there were no further hiccups.
England recover through Root, Dawson
Earlier, England posted 258 after a dramatic collapse and recovery. After a solid start of 61/0, they slumped to 107/6 under pressure from the Indian bowlers.
The turnaround came through a brilliant 121-run stand between Joe Root and Liam Dawson.
Root top-scored with a composed 76, while Dawson contributed a career-best 68. Root paced his innings smartly, attacking after seeing off the early threat from Jasprit Bumrah, whose disciplined spell (1/31) stood out.
Axar shines with the ball
Axar Patel was India’s standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 4/62. He broke England’s momentum late in the innings by running through the tail after the Root-Dawson partnership.
Support came from Prasidh Krishna (2/50) and Gurnoor Brar (2/61), who picked up key wickets despite being expensive at times.
India take early control of series
India’s all-round performance — combining disciplined bowling, a composed chase and strong middle-order contributions — gave them a convincing win to start the series.
Gill’s consistency at Edgbaston continues to stand out, while Axar’s return to form with both bat and ball will be a big positive for the visitors after a quiet T20I phase.
With a 1-0 lead secured, India will head into the second ODI with confidence, while England will look to address their middle-order collapse and bowling inconsistencies.