IND vs ENG 2026: England Beat India by 4 Wickets in Manchester, Bethell Stars as Hosts Take 1-0 Series Lead

England started the T20I series with a four-wicket win over India in Manchester, chasing down 191 with one over to spare. Jacob Bethell‘s unbeaten knock and Harry Brook’s explosive cameo helped the hosts recover from an early collapse to take a 1-0 lead.

India posted 190 for 7 after a solid batting effort. The match also marked a special moment as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to represent India in men’s international cricket.

The youngster looked confident on debut, scoring 15 runs and adding a 50-run opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek continued the good start with a steady 43 before India rebuilt through Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who added 65 runs for the middle wickets.

Tilak Varma then provided the late push with some powerful hitting in the closing overs, helping India reach a competitive total of 190 for 7.

England’s chase got off to the worst possible start. Arshdeep Singh removed both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks, leaving the home side at 1 for 2 and giving India early control.

However, Harry Brook quickly turned the game around. The England captain blasted 39 runs from just 15 balls, attacking the Indian bowlers and shifting the momentum back in his team’s favour before losing his wicket.

Jacob Bethell then anchored the chase with a calm and unbeaten 76 from 46 balls. He shared a crucial 83-run partnership with Tom Banton, taking England close to the target before finishing the chase with one over remaining.

India’s hopes faded during the 17th over when Ravi Bishnoi conceded 29 runs. The leg-spinner also bowled three no-balls, the most by a spinner from a Full Member nation in a men’s T20 International, handing England extra opportunities at a crucial stage.

Despite India’s strong batting effort and an excellent start with the ball, England’s fearless middle-order counterattack proved too much. Brook’s rapid innings changed the momentum, while Bethell’s composed finish ensured England completed a successful chase and moved ahead 1-0 in the series.

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