India vs England 2020-21, 1st ODI: Krunal, Krishna produce record-breaking show as India win by 66 runs
India and England are sure to fight it out in the ongoing three-game One-Day International series. With all the games being held in Pune, the host is off to a resounding start, winning the opening match and drawing first blood, as the debutants scripted records.
Team India played smart cricket to push England onto the back foot during the opening One-Day International at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Tuesday. The host won the tie by 66 runs despite looking shaky initially, as India's debutant players helped produce a record-breaking performance that we take a look at.
Krunal Pandya enters special lists
All-rounder Krunal was making his debut, as he smashed an impressive unbeaten 58. As a result, he became the third Indian after Saba Karim and Ravindra Jadeja to hit a half-century on debut while batting at number seven or lower. It was also the joint-fastest 50 in ODIs for India against England, along with MS Dhoni. Also, it was the fastest ODI 50on debut, off just 26 balls. Furthermore, he has recorded the best strike-rate by an Indian after his ODI debut (187.10), besides being the second in the world after Shahid Afridi (255.00).
Jason Roy-Joanny Bairstow pair always works
England's opening pair of Roy and Bairstow gave India a scare, contributing to a 135-run opening stand. Consequently, it was the duo's 12th century-plus stand in the format, equalling the most feat by Eoin Morgan and Joe Root.
India give away runs in abundance
In another interesting observation, India gave away 89 runs in the opening ten overs. As a result, since 2002, it has given away the third-most runs in the phase for a non-rain-affected ODI, with the most being 93 against Pakistan in Kanpur, 2005.
Praisdh Krishna scripts a special
Krishna nailed it with the bowl, claiming 4/54. Consequently, he became the 17th Indian to claim a three-for on ODI debut and the first Indian to claim a four-for in the same.
England suffers an unmemorable loss
England succumbed to a 66-run defeat despite getting off to a promising start. As a result, it was its second-heaviest defeat in terms of runs in the format since April 2015, with its heaviest being 2019 against Sri Lanka in Colombo, 2019.
Match summary
Winning the toss, English skipper Eoin Morgan elected to bowl. After a cautious start, India managed to recover well and posted a challenging total, thanks to Shikhar Dhawan's 98. Simultaneously, skipper Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Krunal's half-centuries came in handy as well, setting England a target of 318. In reply, England was off to a terrific start, contributing to a 135-run opening stand. However, the Indian bowlers were smart enough to make a comeback and drown England's ship.
Brief scores: India 317/5 (Dhawan 98, Kohli 56, Rahul 62*, Krunal 58*; Stokes 3/34) beat England 251 in 42.1 overs (Bairstow 94; Krishna 4/54) by 66 runs.