Watch: Varun Chakravarthy’s twin strikes peg England back in first T20I

Varun Chakravarthy twin strikes peg England back (Photo Source: BCCI)

A two-wicket eighth over in England’s innings in the ongoing first T20I of the five-match series by Varun Chakravarthy has set the visitors under pressure. Chakravarthy was introduced by skipper Suryakumar Yadav in the sixth over of the game. He conceded only eight runs in that.

He was entrusted with another over, and that was when the mystery spinner struck gold. Despite being cut between short third man and backward point off the second delivery of his second over by Harry Brook, Chakravarthy did not lose his composure. All Brook could manage was an inside-edge to his pad off the next delivery, with the ball trickling onto his stumps. A couple of deliveries later, Chakravarthy fizzed one in to Liam Livingstone. Livingstone played for the turn, while there wasn’t any.

Timber strikes

A double-wicket over

Varun Chakaravarthy picks up two!

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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025

At the time of writing, England are 110/8 at the end of 17 overs. Jos Buttler has been the lone pillar of strength for the visitors. The rest of the batters, much to the dismay of the English white-ball skipper, have not managed to play the situation. Buttler’s lone hand of 68 (44) has led England to the score they have mustered to.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: Why is Mohammed Shami not playing 1st T20I against England 2025?

On the other hand, India have been clinical right from the outset. Opting to bowl first on winning the toss, Arshdeep Singh was right on the money. He dismissed Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in successive overs to not only increase his wicket-tally in the powerplay, but become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. Apart from Hardik Pandya who proved to be expensive, all the other bowlers were miserly in what is turning out to be a wonderful outing for the Indian outfit up until now.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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