India defeated England by eight wickets at Old Trafford thanks to outstanding performances from Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul.
Kuldeep’s 5/24 helped restrict England to 159/8 after the hosts made a sprightly start, before KL Rahul demolished the English bowling attack on his way to a magnificent unbeaten 101.
Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat, preferring to chase a total against in-form England on a stunning day in Manchester, in front of a crowd that was laden with Indian supporters. England began well, as Jason Roy got off to a flyer before bottom edging one on to his stumps from Umesh Yadav. Jos Buttler was a threat from the outset, and raced to his seemingly inevitable half-century from 29 balls as he once again displayed imperious form with the bat.
England began their response with the ball well, as David Willey grabbed the scalp of the dangerous Shikhar Dhawan in the first over, the opener playing onto his own stumps in an attempt to drive the ball through cover. KL Rahul came out to the middle, and what ensued was pure class. He and Rohit Sharma put on a stand of 123, but it was Rahul who stole the headlines, dispatching England’s bowlers to all parts with some stunning shots, showcasing his extreme talent with such calmness and maturity. He smashed 10 fours and five sixes, and he made light work of Moeen Ali, who ended the day with figures of 0/37 from his 2.2 overs.
It was a seriously classy display from India, yet before England’s monumental collapse at the hands of Kuldeep Yadav, it looked as if the hosts were about to kick on and make a big total. Jos Buttler was brilliant, but Kuldeep Yadav’s contribution can not be understated. He was backed up by a terrific knock from Rahul, who was virtually faultless in his successful pursuit of England’s target, and India begin their tour of England with a resounding victory.
