Gill, Axar Star as India Cruise Past England by Six Wickets in First ODI

Birmingham, July 2026 : India bounced back in emphatic fashion after suffering a 4-0 T20I series whitewash, defeating England by six wickets in the opening One-Day International at Edgbaston on Tuesday. A commanding all-round performance, led by captain Shubman Gill and Axar Patel, helped the visitors comfortably chase down a target of 259 and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Gill anchored India’s chase with a fluent 80 before retiring hurt due to discomfort when India required another 110 runs from 24.2 overs. Axar Patel then produced another match-winning effort, following up his impressive bowling display with a composed 57, while Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 to guide India home with 28 balls to spare.

Washington sealed the victory in style by smashing a six that also brought up his century partnership with Axar. The duo ensured there were no late hiccups as India finished on 262/4 in 45.2 overs.

Earlier, Axar laid the foundation for the victory with a career-best bowling performance of 4/62, playing a key role in restricting England to 258 despite a spirited recovery from the hosts.

India’s chase had a shaky beginning as senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed cheaply. Kohli was trapped lbw by Jofra Archer for just five, while Rohit was caught by England captain Harry Brook after scoring 11. However, Gill steadied the innings with a composed knock, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries.

England had earlier made a promising start after opting to bat first, with openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell adding 61 runs for the first wicket. However, India’s bowlers triggered a dramatic collapse that saw the hosts slump to 80/5.

Gurnoor Brar provided the breakthrough by dismissing Bethell before removing Duckett, who made 43. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to ODI cricket after a long absence, struck immediately by having Brook caught in the slips for just one. Prasidh Krishna then dismissed Jos Buttler, playing his landmark 200th ODI, for five before removing Sam Curran for a duck to leave England reeling.

Will Jacks attempted to rebuild but was brilliantly caught one-handed by wicketkeeper KL Rahul, further denting England’s hopes.

Joe Root and Liam Dawson then staged an impressive recovery with a 121-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Dawson registered his highest international score of 68 from 83 balls, while Root remained unbeaten on 76, carrying England to a respectable total.

Axar eventually broke the stand by dismissing Dawson before cleaning up the tail. Debutant Josh Tongue became the final wicket when Axar bowled him with 13 balls remaining, ending England’s innings at 258.

India’s convincing victory gives them a valuable advantage in the ODI series, with the second match scheduled to be played in Cardiff on Thursday, followed by the series finale at Lord’s on Sunday.

Team Maverick