Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 34-ball 79 in an exhibition of breathtaking power-hitting on the back of a disciplined bowling effort, as India outplayed England by seven wickets in the first T20I here on Wednesday. On a day when Gautam Gambhir’s coaching set-up made headlines by delaying Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated return to international cricket, India bundled out England for a paltry 132 at Eden Gardens, where the average first-innings score is around 195.**Arshdeep recordMystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was at his devastating best, returning figures of 3/23, ably supporting left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh’s record-breaking spell of 2/17. Arshdeep not only rattled England with his precision but also etched his name in the record books, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal (96 wickets) to become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 97 scalps. But Abhishek’s clean hitting, including five fours and eight sixes, in a 20-ball half-century, took the game away from England as India cruised to the target in commanding fashion with 43 balls to spare. He shared a third-wicket partnership with Tilak Verma (19 not out) who showed fine maturity in the partnership of 84 that came at a strike rate of 200. Abhishek showcased his full range of shots, flicking one over fine leg reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh, backing away to uppercut another for six over third man, and finishing the over with a straight-driven boundary. The 18-run over eased the pressure on India and shifted the game decisively. India’s strategy against Archer’s final over was cautious, as Abhishek and Tilak Verma played him out with maturity. Abhishek was handed a lifeline on 29 when Adil Rashid spilt a sharp return catch. Capitalising on the reprieve, the Indian opener unleashed his power, taking on Rashid with disdain. He smashed the leg-spinner for a boundary and two towering sixes in consecutive deliveries, putting India firmly in control. Abhishek brought up his half-century in spectacular fashion, hooking a 140.7 kph short ball from Jamie Overton over fine leg with supreme confidence. By the halfway mark, India had surged to 100/2, turning the target into a mere formality. Gambhir’s decision was vindicated because of the perfect execution of plans by his spin troika who snared 5 for 67 in 12 overs bowled between them. Despite the dewy conditions, India went in with three spinners--Ravi Bishnoi (0/23 in 4 overs), Axar Patel (2/22 in 4 overs), and Chakravarthy--backing record-breaker Arshdeep Singh’s fiery opening spell. The left-arm quick set the tone by dismissing both openers, Phil Salt (0) and Ben Duckett (4), in successive overs en route to his 2/17 from four overs. His first spell of 3-0-10-2 also saw him surpass Chahal’s tally. Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed his bowlers astutely, ensuring timely changes and capitalising on their momentum after winning the toss. The pitch offered some grip, and the dew had minimal impact. England’s struggles were compounded as they failed to build partnerships, with only skipper Jos Buttler holding the innings together. Buttler (68 from 44 balls) played a composed knock, reaching his fifty off 34 balls, mixing power and precision to keep England afloat amidst the wreckage.Long rallies are the name of the game when Ankita Raina takes to a tennis court. And the 32-year-old India no. 1 stayed true to her character by dishing out another slow burner in her first-round outing at the KPB Trust Women’s Open here on Wednesday. Ankita relied on simple groundstrokes and keeping the ball in play to frustrate Russia’s Daria Kudashova and secure a 7-6(7/2), 7-6(7-4) win. The 21-year-old Kudashova was quick off the blocks to race away to a 5-2 lead in the opening set. However, the Indian got into the groove in the nick of time to level scores and force a tie-breaker. Serves that refused to listen to Kudashova made things worse for the Russian as Ankita capitalised on her opponents’ impatience to win the first set. While the momentum favoured Ankita, the humidity at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association troubled the players throughout the second with both of them struggling to hold serves.
