Shreyas, Abhishek fifties and Dube's 42* lift India to 189/7 in 1st T20I
Synopsis
India were reeling at 6/2 inside two overs — then Abhishek Sharma went to a 20-ball fifty, the fastest by an Indian in England, and became the quickest batter to 100 T20I sixes. Shreyas Iyer steadied with a captain's 68, Dube blasted 42* off 21 balls, and a damp Chester-le-Street evening ended with India on 189/7 — above par, and England facing rain.
Key Takeaways
India posted 189/7 in 20 overs against England in the 1st T20I at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street on 2 July .
Shreyas Iyer scored 68 off 47 balls — his first fifty as India's T20I captain and his ninth overall in the format.
Abhishek Sharma hit 59 off 24 balls with a 20-ball fifty , the fastest by an Indian batter in England.
Abhishek became the fastest batter to 100 T20I sixes in 785 deliveries , surpassing Evin Lewis (789 deliveries).
Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 42 off 21 balls , helping India smash 54 runs in the last five overs.
Saqib Mahmood was England's best bowler with 3/33 ; rain threatened to delay England's chase.
Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma struck fluent half-centuries before Shivam Dube provided a devastating late flourish as India posted 189/7 in 20 overs against England in the opening T20I at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, 2 July. Despite a shaky start and intermittent drizzle, India's middle-order resilience produced a competitive total that is considered above par at this venue.
Disastrous Start, Brilliant Recovery
Sent in to bat, India found themselves in early trouble at 6/2 inside the first two overs. Sanju Samson fell cheaply, caught at backward point off Saqib Mahmood, while Ishan Kishan was run out for a duck following a mix-up with Abhishek. With the innings threatening to unravel, Abhishek launched a ferocious counterattack that shifted the momentum entirely.
Abhishek Sharma's Historic Blitz
Abhishek raced to a 20-ball fifty — the fastest by an Indian batter in England — lashing six fours and four sixes in a knock of 59 off 24 balls. His innings also carried a significant statistical milestone: he became the fastest batter to reach 100 sixes in T20 internationals, achieving the feat in just 785 deliveries, surpassing West Indies batter Evin Lewis, who had reached the landmark in 789 deliveries. Abhishek's dismissal came in the eighth over when Sam Curran's slower ball trapped him lbw, ending an 82-run partnership with Shreyas.
Shreyas Iyer's Captain's Knock
Shreyas Iyer, in his role as India's T20I captain, registered his first fifty in the format as skipper — a knock of 68 off 47 balls featuring six fours and a six. It was his ninth T20I half-century overall, though his slowest in terms of balls faced. Shreyas initially combined with Abhishek in that productive partnership before joining Tilak Varma for a 36-run stand. He accelerated in the death overs with a six over extra cover before being trapped lbw by Mahmood.
Dube's Explosive Finish
Shivam Dube arrived at the crease after Varma was caught off a low full toss from Mahmood and took the attack to the England bowlers with characteristic power. His unbeaten 42 off 21 balls, laced with two fours and three sixes, propelled India to a strong finish. India blasted 54 runs in the final five overs, with Dube clearing mid-wicket and square leg at will. Curran also ran out Axar Patel off the last delivery to cap a busy final over.
England's Bowling Verdict
Saqib Mahmood was the standout bowler for England, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs. Curran chipped in with 1 for 25 and the crucial run-out. England's spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson struggled for control in the damp conditions. England face the prospect of a rain-delayed start to their innings as steady rain descended after India's innings concluded. Brief scores: India 189/7 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 68, Abhishek Sharma 59; Saqib Mahmood 3/33, Sam Curran 1/25) vs England.
Point of View
With Samson falling cheaply again and Kishan run out for a duck, is a pattern that has persisted across formats. The recovery was built almost entirely on individual brilliance rather than structural solidity. Abhishek's record-breaking blitz and Dube's finishing power are genuine assets, but England will note that a disciplined new-ball spell nearly derailed the innings before it began. If the pitch stays tricky and rain shortens the chase, 189 could prove enough — but India's batting depth below Shreyas remains a question the selectors will need to answer before the series is out.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was India's final score in the 1st T20I against England at Chester-le-Street?
India posted 189/7 in 20 overs in the opening T20I against England at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street on 2 July. The total is considered above par at the venue.
What record did Abhishek Sharma break in the 1st T20I?
Abhishek Sharma became the fastest batter to hit 100 sixes in T20 internationals , reaching the milestone in just 785 deliveries . He surpassed West Indies batter Evin Lewis, who had achieved it in 789 deliveries.
How did Shreyas Iyer perform as India's T20I captain?
Shreyas Iyer scored 68 off 47 balls — his first half-century as India's T20I captain and his ninth overall in the format. It was his slowest fifty in terms of balls faced, though he accelerated in the death overs before being dismissed lbw by Saqib Mahmood.
Who were England's best bowlers in the 1st T20I?
Saqib Mahmood was England's standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs . Sam Curran contributed 1 wicket for 25 runs and also ran out Axar Patel. Spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson struggled for control in the drizzly conditions.
What was Abhishek Sharma's fifty speed in the 1st T20I against England?
Abhishek Sharma reached his fifty off just 20 balls , making it the fastest half-century by an Indian batter in England in T20 internationals. He finished with 59 off 24 balls before being dismissed lbw by Sam Curran in the eighth over.
