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Tag: India vs England T20I Series 2025

  • Twitter reactions: Tilak Varma powers India to a 2-0 series lead over England in the T20Is

    Twitter reactions: Tilak Varma powers India to a 2-0 series lead over England in the T20Is

    In a nail-biting encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over England in the second T20I to secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 166, India overcame a shaky start, thanks to a composed and match-defining knock from Tilak Varma, who held his nerve to take India over the line with just four balls to spare. The game saw brilliant individual performances, high drama in the death overs, and a host of strategic battles, making it an unforgettable contest.

    England’s innings: Jos Buttler and Brydon Carse anchor amidst middle-order woes

    After being put in to bat, England posted 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a rocky start with early dismissals of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, captain Jos Buttler showcased his class with a measured 45 off 30 balls, supported by some fireworks from Brydon Carse, who smashed a quick 31 off 17 balls. Contributions from Jamie Smith (22 off 12) and Liam Livingstone (13 off 14) provided stability, but frequent wickets prevented England from capitalizing in the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel delivered impactful spells, bagging two wickets each, while the fielding effort, including a brilliant run-out of Carse, kept England’s total in check.

    Also READ: Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar mock Harry Brook’s ‘smog excuse’ after Varun Chakravarthy removes the English batter in 2nd T20I – IND vs ENG

    India’s chase: Tilak Varma’s masterclass under pressure

    India’s chase began on a shaky note as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson fell early, leaving the team at 19/2. Captain Suryakumar Yadav‘s quickfire 12 off 7 balls provided some momentum, but his dismissal further complicated the chase. Tilak, however, rose to the occasion with a sensational unbeaten 72 off 55 balls, blending caution with aggression. His innings featured four boundaries and five towering sixes, ensuring India stayed in the hunt. Washington Sundar chipped in with a vital 26 off 19 balls, while Ravi Bishnoi’s calm nine-run cameo sealed the deal in the final over. Despite disciplined bowling from Carse (3/29) and Adil Rashid (1/14), England failed to defend their total.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy cleans up Jamie Overton with a brilliant googly in IND vs ENG 2nd T20I



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  • Twitter reactions: Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy shine as India crush England by 7 wickets in the Kolkata T20I

    Twitter reactions: Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy shine as India crush England by 7 wickets in the Kolkata T20I

    In a dominant display at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the opening T20I of the five-match series. Opting to field first, India restricted England to a modest 132, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79 off 34 balls ensured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This emphatic win gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their all-round strength.

    Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball

    India’s decision to field first paid dividends early as Arshdeep removed Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s spellbinding bowling. He picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the key scalps of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over. Chakravarthy’s guile and precision left England’s middle order in shambles, as they struggled to accelerate after a steady start by Jos Buttler, who top-scored with 68 off 44 balls and eventually fell to Varun. England’s lower order offered little resistance, folding for a mere 132.

    Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England

    India’s chase began on a steady note, but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Opening alongside Sanju Samson, Sharma smashed 79 runs off just 34 deliveries, including 5 fours and 8 towering sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for a quick finish. While Samson contributed 26 at the top, and Tilak Varma ensured there were no hiccups with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against the England pacers, particularly Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, that defined the innings. His clean striking was a treat for the crowd, and he was rightly named Player of the Match.

    Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I

    Clinical bowling and fielding highlight India’s dominance in Kolkata

    India’s bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs and Hardik Pandya’s crucial strikes in the middle overs ensured England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, with Patel also picking up 2 wickets. The fielding effort, including a run-out by Samson to dismiss Mark Wood, complemented the bowlers’ efforts. Overall, India’s all-round performance showcased their readiness for the series, leaving England with much to ponder before the second T20I.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also READ: IND vs ENG 2025: Arshdeep Singh shatters Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling record in the first T20I



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  • IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Kolkata

    IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Kolkata

    England’s highly anticipated white-ball tour of India will kick off with a five-match T20I series, starting on January 22 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This series marks the beginning of a crucial limited-overs campaign for both teams, as they gear up for a challenging cricketing calendar ahead.

    England’s white-ball tour of India begins with T20I game at Eden Gardens

    The tour will be England’s first under their new white-ball head coach, Brendon McCullum, who has taken charge of the limited-overs side after revolutionizing their Test cricket. Captain Jos Buttler will lead a formidable English lineup, which includes explosive batters, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack featuring Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. India, on the other hand, will aim to assert their dominance at home with a strong squad led by Suryakumar Yadav.

    The Indian side boasts a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, making them a formidable opponent on familiar turf. Eden Gardens, with its electrifying atmosphere and rich cricketing history, provides the perfect stage for the series opener. The teams will look to adapt quickly to the conditions, with dew expected to play a significant role in determining strategies during the evening game.

    Top 5 key battles to watch out for in the Kolkata T20I

    1. Ben Duckett vs Arshdeep Singh

    The clash between Ben Duckett and Arshdeep Singh promises to be intriguing, given Duckett’s aggressive approach against the left-arm pacer’s swing and accuracy. Duckett excels in countering spin but has shown vulnerability against quality pace, particularly in the powerplay.

    Arshdeep, known for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to swing the ball, will look to exploit any weakness early. The conditions at Eden Gardens, often favoring swing in the first few overs, could play into Arshdeep’s hands. Duckett, however, will aim to unsettle the bowler by stepping out or playing lofted shots. This face-off could set the tone for England’s innings if Arshdeep can dismiss Duckett early. Conversely, if Duckett manages to dominate, it could leave the Indian attack searching for answers.

    2. Mohammed Shami vs Jos Buttler

    A battle of experience and skill, Mohammed Shami’s disciplined seam bowling against Buttler’s explosive power is a key matchup. Buttler’s ability to take on any bowler in the powerplay will be tested by Shami’s lethal outswingers. Shami, who thrives on building pressure with consistent lines, will aim to dismiss Buttler early to disrupt England’s plans. Buttler, returning from a calf injury, has looked to play more as a pure batter and may attempt to counter Shami’s swing with aggressive intent. If Shami can get Buttler’s wicket, it would be a massive advantage for India. Nevertheless, if Buttler settles, he could make life tough for India with his wide range of strokes.

    Also READ: IND vs ENG: England unveils playing XI for the first T20I against India; Harry Brook named vice-captain

    3. Suryakumar Yadav vs Jofra Archer

    Suryakumar’s 360-degree batting against Archer’s raw pace and bounce promises fireworks. Archer’s comeback adds depth to England’s attack, and he will look to trouble Suryakumar with short-pitched deliveries and yorkers. Suryakumar, known for his ability to manipulate the field, thrives on pace and will aim to counter Archer with innovative shots like the scoop and ramp. The contest could be pivotal in the middle overs, with Suryakumar’s ability to accelerate potentially taking the game away from England. Archer, nonetheless, has the knack for delivering breakthroughs under pressure and will be England’s go-to bowler to neutralize India’s most dynamic batter.

    4. Hardik Pandya vs Adil Rashid

    Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting against Rashid’s crafty leg-spin will be a fascinating middle-overs contest. Rashid has often been England’s trump card, using his variations to stifle batters and pick up crucial wickets. Hardik, who relishes taking on spinners, will look to disrupt Rashid’s rhythm by stepping out and targeting the boundary. Rashid, however, could exploit Hardik’s occasional tendency to misjudge flighted deliveries. This matchup could determine whether India builds momentum or England regains control in the middle overs. If Rashid manages to dismiss Hardik early, it would provide England with a significant edge, but if Hardik succeeds, India could post a formidable total.

    5. Liam Livingstone vs Kuldeep Yadav

    Liam Livingstone’s brute force and Kuldeep Yadav’s guile with wrist-spin make for a thrilling encounter. Livingstone, known for his ability to hit sixes at will, will look to attack Kuldeep and disrupt his rhythm. Kuldeep, on the other hand, will aim to exploit Livingstone’s vulnerability against well-disguised googlies and variations in pace. This battle in the middle and death overs could dictate the flow of England’s innings. Kuldeep’s ability to induce false shots will be crucial, while Livingstone’s counterattacking approach could put pressure on the bowler. If Kuldeep manages to outfox Livingstone, it would be a game-changing moment for India, but if Livingstone dominates, England could gain a significant advantage.

    Also READ: Not Jos Buttler! England’s Brendon McCullum confirms different wicketkeeper for the India T20Is

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