(Reuters) – An inspired all-round show from Hardik Pandya fired India to an emphatic 50-run win over England in the first Twenty20 of their three-match series at the Ageas Bowl yesterday.
India made a flying start after opting to bat, with Deepak Hooda (33) and Suryakumar Yadav (39) taking a liking to the English attack before Pandya (51) chipped in with his maiden fifty in the shortest format and guided India to 198-8.
Things had looked even worse for the hosts with Pandya in full flow but fine death bowling from Tymal Mills (1-35) and Chris Jordan (2-23) dragged them back into the game and kept India under 200.
In reply, the touring side got an early boost when Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-10) removed new captain Jos Buttler for nought and Pandya (4-33) got rid of Liam Livingstone (0) and Jason Roy (4) in quick succession to leave England reeling at 33-4.
Harry Brook (28) and Moeen Ali (36) tried to revive England in the middle overs but both fell to the leg-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal (2-32) as the loss of regular wickets meant the home side were bowled out for 148 in 19.3 overs.
The teams head to Edgbaston for the second match of the series tomorrow.
