Ind vs Eng-1st ODI: India Set Target on 318, Krunal Scores 50 on Debut

Krunal Pandya ODI Debut vs England 2021

Indian Cricket Team scored 317 runs in the first ODI against England with half centuries from Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and debutant Krunal Pandya.

Virat Kohli lost the toss for the fourth time in a row against Eoin Morgan. India handed the debuts to Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna. Rishabh Pant was rested as KL Rahul was given the keeping responsibilities.

England decided to bowl first but failed to get any advantage of the initial dampness of the wicket. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan respected the initial carry off the wicket and started slowly. Rohit got out as India reached 64 runs in 15 overs. Dhawan added 105 runs with Virat Kohli who scored 56 off 60 balls before getting out to Mark Wood.

India then lost a bunch of wickets as Shreyas Iyer, Dhawan himself and Hardik Pandya got out in quick succession. Dhawan missed his century by 2 runs as he was dismissed in the 39th over. The score of 300 was looking like a distant dream at this point.

The debutant Krunal Pandya joined KL Rahul at the other end and they started to build-up a partnership. The senior Pandya did not show any nerves on the debut and collected boundaries from the start. KL Rahul also gained his form and scored important runs.

Krunal completed his 50 in just 26 balls, scoring the fastest 50 by a debutant in ODIs. KL Rahul also reached his half-century on the other end as the pair completed a century stand. The inning finished at 317 as India collected 112 runs in the last 10 overs.

England will have their work cut out as they have already lost a batsman. Sam Billings sprained his collar bone joint and is unlikely to bat.

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