On the evening of January 22, 2025, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata witnessed a dazzling display of cricket as India clinched a convincing 7-wicket victory against England in the first match of their five-game T20I series. The match was highlighted by exceptional performances from both teams, but it was India’s bowling and batting that ultimately stole the show.
England, electing to bat first after losing the toss, managed to set a target of 132 runs. Despite a spirited effort from their captain, Jos Buttler, who scored a brisk 68 off 44 balls, England’s batting lineup struggled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Varun Chakravarthy was the standout bowler for India, claiming 3 wickets for just 23 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Buttler. Arshdeep Singh also made significant contributions, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is by overtaking Yuzvendra Chahal’s record with a total of 97 wickets. His early breakthroughs set the tone for the innings, dismissing both Phil Salt and Ben Duckett cheaply.
Chasing a modest target, India’s response was swift and sure-handed. The innings was dominated by an explosive knock from Abhishek Sharma, who blazed his way to a 34-ball 79, featuring a flurry of boundaries and sixes that electrified the crowd. His innings was a masterclass in T20 batting, combining aggression with precision. Support came from Sanju Samson, who contributed 26 runs before getting out, and Tilak Verma, who remained unbeaten, ensuring India crossed the finish line in just 12.5 overs, showcasing their intent to make a statement in this series.
The atmosphere at Eden Gardens was electric, with fans cheering every boundary and wicket. The venue, known for its passionate support, did not disappoint, adding to the spectacle of the game. The home crowd’s energy was palpable, especially when local heroes like Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy performed.