Indian bowlers fightback well for a 66-run win

By Mumbai Indians

India won the first ODI against England by 66 runs in a game that didn’t look as simple or one-sided as the final score read. The Men in Blue put up a fine display of cricket across disciplines to earn the victory.

England failed to chase down 317 despite a fine start, allowing India to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

The debutants, Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna ensured their first ODI game for India will not be forgotten by chipping in with important contributions.

Dhawan is back amongst the runs

Shikhar Dhawan, who didn’t play much in the T20Is, was back amongst the runs in the 50-over format. The opener scored a well-paced 98 (106), missing out on a well-deserved ton. His knock also got him the Man of the Match award.

Krunal’s record-breaking ODI debut

Krunal Pandya got a much deserved call up for the Indian ODI team for his strong showing in the domestic season. Today, he was given the cap by his brother Hardik Pandya. He justified the selectors’ decision by scoring 58* (31) in his very first 50-over game for India.

When he reached his half-century in 26 balls, he earned the record of the fastest fifty in ODIs by a debutant ever.

He also got his maiden ODI wicket for India when he trapped Sam Curran to strike one straight up to Shubman Gill.

India forge big partnerships

India’s total of 317/5 was sitting on three big partnerships. First, there was the opening partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma worth 64, on which the innings were built.

Further, Dhawan continued the attack on England combining with Virat Kohli for a 105-run partnership.

However, it was the arrival of KL Rahul and Krunal Pandya that accelerated the innings that seemed to be slipping out of India’s hands after a couple of quick wickets. Their partnership of 112* (57) ensured India got enough on board to restrict England.

England’s century-long opening partnership

When the visitors started off, it looked like they were going to deny India, any chance of victory. Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy were involved in an 85-ball 135-run opening partnership that finally ended when the latter fell to Prasidh Krishna. Bairstow scored 94 (66) while Roy scored 46 (35).

Prasidh Krishna makes a memorable debut

Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna claimed four wickets on his international cricket debut. His excellent bowling gave India the first breakthrough of the innings.

His numbers read: 8.1-1-54-4

Krishna’s numbers in this game are the best bowling figures by an Indian on ODI debut.

Bowlers pull India back into the game

The Men in Blue were under immense pressure when the English openers put up the 135-run partnership at a rate of over 9 runs per over. It was when Krishna claimed Roy’s wicket that hope seemed to come back for India.

Further, Shardul Thakur came in and took three wickets in two consecutive overs of his spell to put pressure on the visitors.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krishna divided the rest of the wickets between themselves with Krunal getting one too. The English never really got going after that.

England were reduced to 251 all-out from 135/0 in an excellent effort by the Indian bowlers.

The second ODI between India and England is set to happen on Friday, March 26th at 1:30 PM IST at the same venue.