Sundar, Patel steer India to six-wicket victory over England in first ODI at Edgbaston

Birmingham: Unbeaten half-centuries from Washington Sundar and Axar Patel guided India to a comfortable six-wicket victory over England in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Edgbaston on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India successfully chased down a target of 259, finishing on 262 for four with 28 balls to spare. Sundar secured the win in emphatic fashion, smashing a six over the bowler's head to finish unbeaten on 52 alongside Patel, who compiled a crucial 57 not out.

Earlier in the day, England opted to bat first but suffered a dramatic collapse, slipping from 61 without loss to 80 for five within the space of three overs. India’s spin bowling proved highly effective, with left-arm spinner Axar Patel dismantling the English lower order to finish with figures of 4 for 62 from his 9.5 overs. Fast bowlers Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna also contributed significantly, claiming two wickets apiece. A resilient, unbeaten 76 from Joe Root and a fighting 68 from Liam Dawson managed to revive the home side, pushing England to a final total of 258 all out in 47.5 overs.

India's response began strongly through opener Shubman Gill, who anchored the top order with a fluent 80 off 75 deliveries before being forced to retire hurt. The visitors faced a brief period of concern when returning stalwarts Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) fell cheaply to Sam Curran and Jofra Archer, respectively, leaving the middle order exposed.

However, any hopes of an England comeback were extinguished by the lower-order partnership between Patel and Sundar. The duo combined effectively under pressure, maintaining scoring rates and neutralising the English attack to comfortably cross the finishing line.

The second fixture of the three-match series is scheduled to take place on Friday.