India crush England at Eden Gardens as Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy shine in dominant win

Indian cricket team returned to winning ways with a change in the format as they thrashed England by seven wickets in the first T20 International at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. The former world champions were no match for the reigning world champions as Abhishek Sharma struck a magnificent 79 off 34 balls to complete a 133-run chance in just 12.5 overs.

India played with a swagger that we have long associated with England’s white-ball sides as they bowled out the visitors for just 132 in exactly 20 overs. The Three Lions were asked to bat first by home team captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Arshdeep, Hardik and Axar shine in Kolkata

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy (3/23) was the most successful Indian bowler while seamer Arshdeep Singh (2/17), Axar Patel (2/22) and Hardik Pandya (2/42) chipped in with two wickets apiece.

For England, captain Jos Buttler played a lone hand with 68 off 44 balls.

Chasing a paltry 133 for a win, Abhishek made England pay for a dropped catch as he hit five fours and eight sixes during his hurricane 34-ball innings. His opening partner Sanju Samson made 26 off 20 balls.

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Brief Scores: England: 132 all out in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 68; Varun Chakravarthy 3/23, Arshdeep Singh 2/17, Axar Patel 2/22, Hardik Pandya 2/42).

India: 133 for 3 in 12.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 79; Jofra Archer 2/21).

With agency inputs