England lost their first match under new white-ball captain Jos Buttler as Hardik Pandya inspired India to a dominant 50-run victory in the first Vitality IT20 at the Ageas Bowl.
After his side were set a challenging target of 199, England struggled from the start losing early wickets to dent any hopes of a successful chase.
Hardik removed Dawid Malan for 21, Liam Livingstone without scoring and Jason Roy for four from 16 balls, all in his first seven deliveries.
England were 33-4 after 6.1 overs and could not recover as they were bowled out in the final over for 148. All-rounder Hardik finished with 4-33 to add to his 51 from 33 balls – the highest score in India’s 198-8.
The tourists had looked on course for a total well in excess of 200 only to be pegged back by good death bowling, Chris Jordan the pick of England’s attack with 2-23.
Yet India’s impressive performance with the ball ensured they took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, their white-ball side hitting back after England’s stunning Test victory on Tuesday.
Buttler’s outfit can level the series with victory in the second match at Edgbaston on Saturday before the finale 24 hours later at Trent Bridge.
