India beat England by seven wickets in T20I series opener

India defeated England by seven wickets in Kolkata on Thursday morning (AEDT), sending a warning shot in the opening game of the five-match T20I series between the two sides.

Playing what many would consider to be a second-string side, India were accurate with the ball, allowing just three English batsmen into double figures as they scuppered the visitors for 132 runs.

In response, openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Samson were ruthless, with the latter putting on 79 runs from just 34 balls to help the home side reel in England’s target with 43 balls remaining.

“The energy after we won the toss set the benchmark,” Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said after the match.

“Bowlers had plans, executed, and the way we batted was icing on the cake.

“We did the same in South Africa — Hardik (Pandya) had responsibility to bowl new ball, so (there was) cushion to play the extra spinner.

“Varun (Chakaravarthy)’s preparations are on point, and Arshdeep (Singh) is taking the extra responsibility.

“There’s a lot of freedom given, we want to play a bit different.

“The fielding is one area we’ve been working really hard.

“Let’s take those half chances and make a difference.”

Losing captain Jos Buttler, who top scored for England with 68 runs from 44 balls, was optimistic despite the defeat.

“There was a little in the wicket early on, didn’t expect that, but if you came through that phase it was a good pitch and a fast-scoring ground,” he said.

“Some really good players in there, we’ll be better for the run-out.

“Jofra (Archer) looked good, superstar, looked threatening, Mark Wood bowled fast, exciting.

“We want to be aggressive and watchable, but venue to venue (we’ve) got to assess conditions.

“Enjoyment of the game is always there, I’m enjoying the environment.

“I’m a big (Brendon) McCullum fan, always have been — enjoying working with him.”

Following the loss, cricket betting sites have lengthened England’s odds of winning the series to $9.

India, meanwhile, are warm favourites heading into second T20I on Sunday morning in Chennai, paying $1.44 at BetOnline to win the match and take a 2-0 lead.

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