Introduction: A Fiery Start and a Clinical Finish
In a match that swung like a pendulum but ended with India firmly on top, debutant Harshit Rana and veteran Ravindra Jadeja orchestrated a bowling masterclass to dismiss England for 248 in the first ODI at Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Chasing a modest target, India rode on half-centuries from Shubman Gill (87), Shreyas Iyer (59), and Axar Patel (52) to seal a 4-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series 16.
But let’s rewind—because this game had drama, record-breaking moments, and a debutant’s redemption arc that deserves its own Netflix special.
England’s Rollercoaster Innings: From Fireworks to Fizzle
The Salt Storm and Rana’s Redemption
England’s openers, Phil Salt (43 off 26) and Ben Duckett (32 off 29) came out swinging like they were late for a flight. Salt, in particular, hammered Rana for 26 runs in a single over—the most expensive over by an Indian debutant in ODIs—with three sixes and two fours 35. But cricket, like life, is all about comebacks.
- Turning Point 1: A mix-up between Salt and Duckett led to Salt’s run-out, courtesy of a razor-sharp throw by Shreyas Iyer and a slick glovework by KL Rahul 39.
- Turning Point 2: Rana, unfazed by his earlier mauling, struck twice in a double-wicket maiden—dismissing Duckett (via a stunning Yashasvi Jaiswal catch) and Harry Brook (0) 59.
Buttler and Bethell’s Brief Resistance
Skipper Jos Buttler (52 off 67) and Jacob Bethell (51 off 64) tried to steady the ship with a 59-run partnership. Buttler notched his first ODI fifty in India, while Bethell became the youngest Englishman (21 years) to score a half-century on Indian soil 57. But Jadeja had other plans.
- Jadeja’s Magic: The all-rounder trapped Joe Root (19) LBW, broke Buttler’s resolve with a skidder, and later dismissed Bethell to become the highest wicket-taker in IND-ENG ODIs (41 wickets) 59.
- Support Acts: Mohammed Shami (1/38) and Axar Patel (1/38) tightened the screws, while Kuldeep Yadav (1/53) wrapped up the tail 16.
India’s Chase: From Wobbles to Dominance
Early Jitters and Iyer’s Firecracker Knock
India’s chase began shakily, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal (15) and Rohit Sharma (2) inside six overs. Enter Shreyas Iyer, who blasted a 36-ball 59 (9 fours, 2 sixes), including back-to-back sixes off Jofra Archer, to shift momentum to 68.
- Gill’s Grace: Anchoring the innings, Gill crafted a patient 87, forming a 94-run stand with Iyer and a 108-run partnership with Axar 10.
- Axar’s All-Round Brilliance: The left-hander smashed a 47-ball 50 before falling to Adil Rashid’s guile, while Jadeja (12*) and Hardik Pandya (9*) closed the deal with flair 68.
England’s Late Fightback (That Wasn’t Enough)
Adil Rashid (2/49) and Saqib Mahmood (2/47) briefly revived England’s hopes by removing Gill and KL Rahul, but India’s depth proved too strong.
Key Moments That Stole the Show
- Rana’s Redemption: From conceding 26 in an over to claiming 3/53, the debutant’s resilience defined India’s fight 39.
- Jadeja’s Milestone: The star all-rounder became the fifth Indian to 600 international wickets 59.
- Bethell’s Breakthrough: The 21-year-old’s gritty 51 hinted at a bright future for England’s middle order 57.
Player Spotlights
Harshit Rana: Debutant with Guts
- 3/53 in 7 overs.
- Overcame a nightmare start to dismantle England’s top order.
- Proved why the IPL hype was real 35.
Ravindra Jadeja: The Silent Assassin
- 3/26 in 9 overs.
- Overtook James Anderson as the leading wicket-taker in IND-ENG ODIs.
- “Jaddu” doing Jaddu things—economical, lethal, and clutch 59.
Shubman Gill: The Anchor
- 87 off 96 balls (14 fours).
- Played second fiddle to Iyer and Axar but never lost control 610.
What’s Next?
With the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, India’s bench strength looks formidable. England, meanwhile, must address their middle-order fragility before the second ODI on February 9.
