The terrific performance from India has awestrucked England. India made a dominant start to the five-match T20I series, defeating England by seven wickets in Kolkata on Wednesday. Chasing a modest target of 133, India powered their way to victory in just 12.5 overs, driven by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 79 off 34 balls. Opening alongside Sanju Samson, who chipped in with 26 off 20, Abhishek thrashed the England bowlers with ease, bringing up his fifty in just 20 balls. Tilak Varma (19 not out) provided finishing support as India cruised past the target.

Earlier, India’s bowlers shone, bundling out England for 132. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy led the charge with three wickets, while pacer Arshdeep Singh and all-rounders Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets each. England’s captain Jos Buttler fought a lone battle, scoring 68 off 44 balls, but his efforts fell short as the rest of the lineup faltered.