India began the three-match ODI series against England with a convincing six-wicket victory at Edgbaston, Birmingham, chasing down 259 with 28 balls to spare.
Captain Shubman Gill led the chase with a composed 80 before retiring hurt due to cramps. His 101-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (35) steadied India after early setbacks, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli falling cheaply. Although India briefly stumbled after Gill left the field, Axar Patel (57* off 39) and Washington Sundar (52*) shared an unbeaten century stand to guide the visitors home comfortably.
Earlier, England were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs after captain Harry Brook opted to bat first. The hosts slumped to 107/6 before Joe Root’s unbeaten 76 and Liam Dawson’s career-best 68 rescued the innings with a 121-run partnership.
India’s bowlers set the tone, with Axar Patel producing an all-round performance by claiming 4/62. Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah, returning to ODI cricket after a long absence, struck early and kept the pressure on despite finishing with one wicket.
The victory ended India’s disappointing run on the UK tour after losses in the T20I series against England and the series in Ireland. It also handed England their 13th defeat in 19 ODIs since the start of 2025.
Axar Patel was named Player of the Match for his match-winning all-round display, while Gill’s fluent knock ensured India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of the second ODI.
