India continued their dominance over England in ODI cricket, registering a sixth consecutive victory over the hosts to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors chased down 259 with 28 balls to spare, ending England’s 12-year unbeaten run at Edgbaston in the format.While India’s clinical victory grabbed the headlines, one stroke from Rohit Sharma early in the chase stole the spotlight. The veteran opener produced a trademark pull shot off Jofra Archer that left fans and commentators in awe.England had elected to bat first after winning the toss at their fortress, Edgbaston, where they had remained unbeaten in Men’s ODIs since 2014. However, India’s disciplined bowling restricted the hosts to 258 before the visitors completed the chase comfortably.
Rohit Sharma’s ‘nataraja shot’ leaves Dinesh Karthik in awe
The moment came in the sixth over of India’s innings. Archer banged one in short, but Rohit was quick to read the length. He swivelled into position and dispatched the ball over square leg for a sublime boundary. The elegance of the stroke prompted commentator Dinesh Karthik to compare it to Rohit’s iconic ‘Nataraja Shot’a nickname inspired by the legendary pose of Lord Nataraja. As Rohit balanced on one leg after executing the pull to perfection.India brought an end to England’s remarkable 12-year unbeaten run in Men’s ODIs at Edgbaston with a convincing six-wicket victory on 1st ODI. The hosts made a promising start, reaching 61 without loss, before India’s bowlers triggered a dramatic collapse that left them reeling at 80/5. Joe Root held the innings together with an unbeaten 76, while Liam Dawson added a valuable 68. Their 111-run partnership helped England recover to 258 before they were bowled out.Axar Patel played a pivotal role with the ball, claiming four wickets and breaking the backbone of England’s batting line-up with figures of 4/62.India’s pursuit was built around another assured knock from captain Shubman Gill, who scored 80 before retiring hurt with cramps. The visitors briefly lost momentum after slipping to 160/4, but Axar Patel and Washington Sundar combined to extinguish England’s hopes. The pair stitched together an unbeaten 102-run stand, with Axar finishing on 57* and Sundar remaining unbeaten on 52, as India sealed victory with 28 deliveries remaining.
