India claimed a seven-wicket win against England in their first T20 World Cup warm-up fixture at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Chasing 189, the Indian top order set a dominant tone as Ishan Kishan (70) and KL Rahul (54) both scored blistering fifties. The chase ended in style when Rishabh Pant hit a massive six to secure the win with seven balls remaining. A costly penultimate over from Chris Jordan, who leaked 23 runs, made the victory easier.
India beat England by 7 wickets in their first T20 World Cup Warm-up Match at ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Chasing a target of 189, Indian openers Ishan Kishan (70) and KL Rahul (54) smashed blistering fifties and gave an excellent start at the top. With three runs needed from seven balls, Rishabh Pant finished off in style by hitting a glorious six. Chris Jordan conceded 23 runs off the penultimate over.
England's start was explosive, hitting 51/2 in the Powerplay with Jos Buttler (18) and Jason Roy (17) making quick cameos. India regained control, however, when Mohammed Shami removed both openers. The world's top T20I batter, Dawid Malan, then attempted to accelerate with a series of boundaries in partnership with Jonny Bairstow, but he was eventually cleaned up by a brilliant googly from Rahul Chahar for 18.
England's scoring didn't slow down despite the wickets. A solid 52-run fourth-wicket partnership between Liam Livingstone (30) and Bairstow kept them in the game until Shami dismissed Livingstone with a perfect yorker. The innings ended on a high note with Moeen Ali's aggressive 43 off 20 balls, featuring two consecutive sixes off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the last over to finish at 188/5. Shami led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Bumrah and Chahar took one apiece.
Facing a daunting total, India's openers laid a strong foundation with an 82-run opening partnership. KL Rahul fell for 51 off 24 balls, while Ishan Kishan retired hurt after a dominant 70. After reaching his fifty in 36 balls, Kishan collaborated with Rishabh Pant to keep the run rate high. Captain Virat Kohli had a quieter outing, falling for 11 to Livingstone. Ultimately, useful contributions from Pant (29) and Hardik Pandya (16) guided India home in the 19th over.