Nagpur: After England's loss to India in the opening ODI of the series, captain Jos Buttler expressed disappointment, stating that the team did not meet their own expectations during the match.
India secured a four-wicket victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
In the post-match presentation, Buttler noted that while England had a strong start during the powerplay, the rapid loss of four wickets proved to be a significant setback.
He commended the partnership between Gill and Iyer, acknowledging their effective performance.
"We're disappointed not to have secured the win. We started the powerplay exceptionally well, and our openers set a solid foundation, but losing four wickets in quick succession was frustrating. An additional 40-50 runs would have made a difference. Losing wickets in clusters is not our desired approach. We aim to apply pressure on the opposition and maintain our momentum. Regarding the fast bowling, our bowlers began well, and at 20 for 2, the game was finely balanced. If we could have taken a wicket at that juncture, it might have changed the course, but Gill and Iyer formed a strong partnership. We need to perform better for longer periods; we've demonstrated that we can do the right things in phases. When we have the momentum, we should strive to sustain it," Buttler stated, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
In summary, England won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Phil Salt (43 runs off 26 balls, including five fours and three sixes) and Ben Duckett (32 runs off 29 balls, with six fours) provided a strong start with a dynamic 75-run opening partnership.
After England faltered to 111/4, with seasoned player Joe Root (19 runs off 31 balls, including one four) back in the pavilion, captain Jos Buttler (52 runs off 67 balls, featuring four boundaries) and Jacob Bethell formed a crucial partnership of 59 runs. Following Buttler's dismissal, Bethell achieved his half-century, scoring 51 runs off 64 balls, which included three fours and a six. A late surge from Jofra Archer (21 not out off 18 balls, with three fours and a six) propelled England to a total of 248 in 47.4 overs.
For India, Ravindra Jadeja (3 wickets for 26 runs) and Harshit Rana (3 wickets for 53 runs) were the standout bowlers. Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav each contributed with one wicket.
In the chase, Shubman Gill (87 runs from 96 balls, with 14 fours), Shreyas Iyer (59 runs from 36 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes), and Axar Patel (52 runs from 47 balls, with 6 fours and 1 six) delivered impressive performances, leading the Men in Blue to a four-wicket victory over England.
Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid spearheaded the England bowling effort, each claiming two wickets during their spells.
The Men in Blue are set to face England again in the second match of the ODI series on Sunday in Cuttack.
