In a dominant display at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the opening T20I of the five-match series. Opting to field first, India restricted England to a modest 132, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79 off 34 balls ensured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This emphatic win gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their all-round strength.

Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball

India’s decision to field first paid dividends early as Arshdeep removed Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s spellbinding bowling. He picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the key scalps of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over. Chakravarthy’s guile and precision left England’s middle order in shambles, as they struggled to accelerate after a steady start by Jos Buttler, who top-scored with 68 off 44 balls and eventually fell to Varun. England’s lower order offered little resistance, folding for a mere 132.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England

India’s chase began on a steady note, but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Opening alongside Sanju Samson, Sharma smashed 79 runs off just 34 deliveries, including 5 fours and 8 towering sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for a quick finish. While Samson contributed 26 at the top, and Tilak Varma ensured there were no hiccups with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against the England pacers, particularly Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, that defined the innings. His clean striking was a treat for the crowd, and he was rightly named Player of the Match.

Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I

Clinical bowling and fielding highlight India’s dominance in Kolkata

India’s bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs and Hardik Pandya’s crucial strikes in the middle overs ensured England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, with Patel also picking up 2 wickets. The fielding effort, including a run-out by Samson to dismiss Mark Wood, complemented the bowlers’ efforts. Overall, India’s all-round performance showcased their readiness for the series, leaving England with much to ponder before the second T20I.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Abhishek Sharma doesn’t care about the pace. The faster it comes further it goes. Unbelievable talent. Reminds me of his mentor Yuvraj Singh.

— M (@anngrypakiistan) January 22, 2025

India’s best format is T20 .. they have an incredible group of players .. #INDvsENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 22, 2025

India’s spinners were magnificent today and I loved how Suryakumar Yadav used them. Was happy to give his lead bowler three at the top. And his fielders supported the bowlers so well. England’s old weakness against spin was well exploited.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025

Top knock by Abhi Sharma.. great way to respond when ur spot is being questioned!! Loving the character shown by the young guys!! 💪🏾

— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025

Can’t picture a T20 side without Abhishek Sharma, he’s just so, so good. On a side note, I’d love to see him grow into a Test cricketer. His first-class average might not stand out, but I’m sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #INDvENG

— Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025

In Test cricket, you need batters who out a price on their wicket. In T20 cricket, you’d usually prefer batters who don’t put a price on their wicket, as Abhishek showed again today..#INDvENG

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025

India coast home by 7 wickets in just 12.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant 79 off just 34 #INDvENG

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025

India’s T20I side is fun. Just watch for entertainment. Get entertained. Go home.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025

Well played kid. Best knock yet of his short career. Plenty to come from Abhishek.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025

Loving this from New India! No fear cricket. No fascination for individual 50s etc.
Selfless cricketer always a dangerous cricketer in T20s.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025

Sensational knock from Abhishek Sharma 😊#cricket #INDvENG #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭. 😉#INDvENG #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025

Also READ: IND vs ENG 2025: Arshdeep Singh shatters Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling record in the first T20I

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