India started the ODI leg of their 2026 England tour on a winning note after securing a 6 wicket victory in the first ODI at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The visitors successfully chased England’s 259-run target by scoring 262 for four in 45.2 overs.

England chose to bat first after winning the toss, but their inning faced an early collapse in the middle order. Ben Duckett had a good start scoring 43 off 45 balls with six fours and two sixes. But England lost from 61 without any loss to 80 for five as India’s bowlers reversed the flow of the game.

Joe Root, showing his experience once again, stayed not out with 76 off 76 balls, with six fours and one six. Liam Dawson had an important support role of 68 runs off 83 balls, and both scored 121 runs together, pulling England out of a bad spot. England finally got all out for 258 in 47.5 overs.

Axar Patel was the top performer among India’s bowlers, who took four wickets for 62 runs in 9.5 overs. Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar took two wickets each, whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube took one wicket each.

India’s chase did not begin perfectly, with Rohit Sharma dismissed for 11 and Virat Kohli managing only five runs. Captain Shubman Gill then took control of the innings with an impressive 80 from 75 balls. Gill struck 11 fours and one six before retiring hurt.

Shreyas Iyer added a patient 35 from 53 deliveries, but India found themselves at 160 for four after KL Rahul’s dismissal. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel then produced the match-winning partnership.

The unbeaten pair added 102 runs and guided India comfortably over the finish line. Washington scored an unbeaten 52 from 63 balls, while Axar smashed 57 not out from 52 deliveries, including five fours and a six.

India completed the chase with 28 balls remaining to register a convincing six-wicket victory. Axar’s four-wicket haul and unbeaten half-century proved decisive as India took the early advantage in the three-match ODI series.