India began their tough tour of England on a positive note. Powered by K L Rahul, who had been in imperious form off- late courtesy his IPL 2018 showing, took his IPL form into national colours as he smashed a a brilliant unbeaten 101 off 54 balls. Then aided by chinaman Kuldeep Yadav who took five wickets, India beat England by 8 wickets in the first T20 at Manchester to take a 1-0 lead.

Rahul’s knock was power packed with 10 fours and five sixes. He anchored India’s run chase and put on 123-run second wicket stand with fellow opener Rohit Sharma (32 off 30).

Earlier, England ailed to capitalise the good start by openers Jason Roy (30) and Jos Buttler (69) . Kuldeep (5/24) triggered a dramatic collapse – Alex Hales (8), Eoin Morgan (7), Jonny Bairstow (0) and Joe Root (0) out in in quick succession — the latter three in a span of four deliveries. It demolished English hopes for big target

Buttler’s 46-ball knock had eight fours and a couple of sixes before becoming Kuldeep’s fifth victim, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kohli after Rahul dropped him one ball earlier.

David Willey’s unbeaten 29 off 15 balls helped England to some sort of respectability. But for India it was less given the men in blues batting fire- power

It is too early visualise as to who will win this series as it is long one , but for India it is imperative to show intent and hunger that we are here to compete hard and try to win . This message has been put across firmly to Eion Morgan and his team

Scores: England 159/8 (Jos Buttler 69, Jason Roy 30; Kuldeep Yadav 5/24) lose to India 163/2 (Lokesh Rahul 101 not out, Rohit Sharma 32, Virat Kohli 20 not out) by 8 wickets.