IND vs ENG 1st T20I Live: Skyball vs Bazball Clash at Eden Gardens
Welcome to the electrifying showdown at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, where Team India takes on England in the first T20I of a thrilling five-match series. It’s not just cricket; it’s a battle of philosophies – India’s ‘Skyball’ versus England’s ‘Bazball’. Here’s everything you need to know about this high-octane match.
Match Overview
Date: January 22, 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Toss: India won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Teams
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy.
England: Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Score and Updates
Innings 1: England
- England’s Innings: They managed to post a total of 132 runs, with Jos Buttler being the standout performer with 68 off 44 balls. However, India’s bowlers, particularly Varun Chakravarthy (3/23), kept England in check.
Innings 2: India
- India’s Chase: The chase was led by a phenomenal performance from Abhishek Sharma, who scored an explosive 79 off just 34 balls, ensuring India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, winning by 7 wickets.
Key Highlights:
- Arshdeep Singh set the tone early, dismissing Phil Salt for a duck and Ben Duckett for 7 in the powerplay.
- Varun Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, bamboozling England’s middle order with his spin.
- Abhishek Sharma‘s innings was the highlight, showcasing why he’s a rising star in Indian cricket with his aggressive play.
Player of the Match
- Abhishek Sharma for his match-winning knock that not only clinched the game but did so in style, reminding everyone of his potential
Click here to watch Highlights
What’s Next?
India has taken a 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for an exciting battle ahead. The next match is scheduled in Chennai, where both teams will look to either consolidate or bounce back. The series promises more action, more sixes, and more of the Skyball vs Bazball spectacle.
Analysis
Skyball vs Bazball
- Skyball: Characterized by India’s new-age aggressive batting, exemplified by players like Abhishek Sharma, who are not afraid to take the attack to the opposition from the get-go.
- Bazball: England’s approach, led by Jos Buttler, focuses on unrelenting aggression, regardless of the situation, which was evident in Buttler’s innings but couldn’t overcome India’s bowling strategy today.
Pitch and Weather
- The pitch at Eden Gardens offered bounce and pace, ideal for batting, but India’s bowlers adapted well. The weather was cooperative, with no interruptions, allowing for a full, entertaining match.
Conclusion
The first T20I was a testament to the evolving nature of cricket, where aggressive batting meets strategic bowling. India’s victory has set the tone for a series that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more live updates, analyses, and the next chapter of this enthralling series.
