England vs India opening ODI: England score nine-run victory in the edgy match

England won the toss and elected to bat first. It started with the strong partnership between opening batsmen – captain Alastair Cook who scored 75 runs and Ian Bell (85) – who together scored a formidable 158 runs between them.

England's Samit Patel scored 44 runs off just 20 balls which included 6 fours and 1 six and finished England's innings. 

India’s breakthrough moment came when Ajinkya Rahane took Bell’s wicket along the middle of the England innings. Meanwhile, Cook lost his wicket to Suresh Raina’s bowling and Rahane’s fielding. But England carried on the pace to finish at 325-4 in 50 overs.

Meanwhile, on India’s side, the opening partnership between Rahane and Gautam Gambhir proved fruitful as the duo made 98 runs together in 109 balls. From the Indian side, Yuvraj Singh posted a highest total for the team with his 61 off 54 balls.

India still kept scoring the odd runs right for 45 overs. After the 44th over, India was at 269-5 needing 57 from 36 balls to win.

Eventually, the English bowling and fielding gained momentum with India losing wickets in quick succession to James Tredwell and Jade Dernbach’s bowling and fielding performances. Tredwell conceded just 44 runs in his 10 overs and took four wickets earning himself the Man of the Match trophy.

India finished 316 for nine in 50 overs resulting in England scoring a nine-run victory over the hosts.

England's victory was special for Ashley Giles who took over as the limited overs coach in November 2012. This was England squad’s first victory since April 2006 in away matches played against India. The victory was also welcomed by captain Cook, players and team manager Andy Flower.

'It was a good win. Everyone in the dressing room is proud of it. We made the most of winning the toss,” Cook said.

He added: "Samit batted really well."