India opened the three-match ODI series against England with a composed six-wicket victory at Edgbaston, finally ending a difficult run on their UK tour.
After enduring defeats in Ireland and a winless T20I series against England, the visitors produced a complete performance to chase down 259 with 28 balls to spare.
The foundation of the win was laid by India’s bowlers. England appeared in control early after Harry Brook chose to bat first, but the innings quickly unraveled. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to ODI cricket brought immediate intensity, while Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar kept the pressure on with disciplined spells.
Axar Patel then took charge, claiming 4 for 62 as England were bowled out for 258 despite Joe Root’s unbeaten 76 and Liam Dawson’s fighting 68.
India’s chase was anchored by captain Shubman Gill, who continued his impressive run in the 50-over format. His unbeaten 80 combined elegance with control, helping India recover after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fell cheaply. Gill looked destined for another century before retiring hurt with cramps, leaving the remaining work to the middle order.
Axar once again stepped up, following his bowling heroics with a fluent unbeaten 57. Washington Sundar complemented him perfectly with an assured maiden ODI fifty as the pair stitched together an unbroken century partnership to seal victory without further drama.
For England, the result highlighted familiar concerns in the ODI format despite Root’s resilience. India, meanwhile, will take confidence from a balanced performance in which both experienced campaigners and emerging players made valuable contributions.
With a 1-0 lead in the series, the visitors have finally found momentum on their challenging tour of the British Isles.