Tredwell smashed through India’s top order to give the relatively inexperienced England a slender victory. PHOTO: BCCI
England kept their cool to eke out a nine-run win over India in their first One-Day International in Rajkot yesterday.
An opening partnership of 158 between captain Alastair Cook and Ian Bell went a long way for the tourists as they posted 325 for four off their quota. Kevin Pietersen’s 44 off 45 deliveries was an added advantage with 38 runs coming off the last two overs, 26 of those by Samit Patel.
In reply, India displayed improvement in their batting with Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina scoring half-centuries. However, James Tredwell posed constant problems as he took four wickets for 44 to end India’s chase at 316.
According to Cook, the flat pitch at Rajkot was a big help in posting the high score.
“It was a good toss to win,” said Cook. “It was a good pitch and we made the most of it. I’m very proud of the side. It is hard to defend with five men in the circle. India kept getting close but we got the wickets when it mattered. Tredwell bowled brilliantly. It is pretty much the same attack we had here in 2011, and good to see how we have learned from the experience.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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Well, done England. We need complete whitewash of this over-hyped mediocre team.
Dhoni, Man of the Match ! :D
But I think Man of the Match should be given to Dhoni
Seriously? another one? :))