IND vs ENG [WATCH]: Adil Rashid delivers a dream ball to send Axar Patel packing in the 1st ODI

Axar Patel was in fine touch, counterattacking England’s bowlers with a fluent 52 off 47 balls however, Adil Rashid produced a moment of brilliance to break his resistance in the 1st ODI between India and England.

Adil Rashid’s magical leg-break ends Axar Patel’s crucial knock

Bowling from around the wicket, Rashid masterfully slowed it down to just 50 kmph, imparting generous flight and dip to deceive Axar into an ambitious drive. The ball landed precisely in the rough, gripping the surface before spinning sharply past the bat, threading its way through the narrowest of gaps to crash into the stumps. Axar, anticipating a more conventional turn, was left stunned as the ball deviated viciously, leaving him no chance of recovery.

The moment the bails were dislodged, the brilliance of Rashid’s skill became evident – an absolute gem of a delivery that would make any leg-spinner envious. England, knowing the significance of the breakthrough, remained composed, but the quality of the dismissal spoke volumes. Axar’s fluent 52 off 47, featuring six boundaries and a towering six, came to an abrupt halt, shifting the momentum in England’s favour.

Here’s the video:

Adil Rashid 🙌#cricket #INDvENG #Adilrashid pic.twitter.com/B7y7RaLS5i

— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) February 6, 2025

Also WATCH: Phil Salt powerfully thrashes debutant Harshit Rana in a 26-run over during the 1st ODI

India outclass England with four-wicket victory in Nagpur ODI

India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against England with a convincing four-wicket victory in Nagpur. England, after electing to bat first, started aggressively as Phil Salt played a quickfire 43 off 26 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Ben Duckett added 32, while Jos Buttler steadied the innings with a hard-fought 52. Jacob Bethell contributed 51, but England struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Debutant Harshit Rana impressed with three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja also claimed three, restricting England to 248 in 47.4 overs.

In response, India lost Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a well-compiled 87 off 96 balls. Shreyas Iyer accelerated the innings with a blistering 59 off 36, ensuring India remained ahead in the chase. Axar’s crucial 52 off 47 balls provided stability in the middle order, while KL Rahul fell cheaply. Despite a late breakthrough by Rashid, Hardik Pandya and Jadeja guided India home comfortably in 38.4 overs. England’s bowlers, including Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood, had their moments, but the total proved insufficient. The match highlighted India’s balanced bowling attack and composed batting effort, setting up an exciting remainder of the series.

Also WATCH: Phil Salt falls victim to a comical run-out during the 1st ODI