England defeated India by five wickets in the second T20I of the five match series at Emirates Old Trafford, Stretford. After being asked to bat first, India posted a competitive 190/7 in their 20 overs.

Abhishek Sharma gave India a flying start alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with the pair adding 50 runs for the first wicket in just 4.5 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's international debut made the match even more special. Cricket fans had been eagerly waiting to see Sooryavanshi open the innings with Abhishek Sharma, and the duo did not disappoint. Sooryavanshi scored 14 runs off 10 balls before being stumped by Jos Buttler off the bowling of Will Jacks.

Ishan Kishan also played a valuable knock of 49 runs off 40 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 37 runs off 22 balls. The pair added 65 runs for the third wicket. Sam Curran (3/33 in 4 overs) was England's most successful bowler, while Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, and Jofra Archer picked up one wicket each.

Chasing 191, England looked under pressure at 133/5, needing 58 runs from the final 28 balls. The turning point came in the 17th over when Jacob Bethell attacked Ravi Bishnoi, smashing three sixes as England collected 29 runs from the over, which also included two no-balls. That over completely shifted the momentum and put England in control of the chase.

Arshdeep Singh (3/40 in 4 overs) was India's most successful bowler. However, Jacob Bethell produced a calm yet explosive unbeaten 76 off 46 balls to guide England to victory with one over to spare. With this win, England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Historic Debut for 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The match also marked a historic moment for Indian cricket as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his senior international debut. The youngster became the youngest male cricketer to represent India, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.

India handed Sooryavanshi his debut after leaving him out in the previous two matches. He replaced the struggling Sanju Samson and made an exciting start by scoring 14 runs from 10 balls, including two impressive sixes.

The packed crowd of 16,047 witnessed the teenager's memorable debut at the same venue where Tendulkar scored his first international century nearly 36 years ago.

Sooryavanshi Shows Early Promise

Sooryavanshi had a quiet beginning, missing his first two deliveries from debutant Josh Tongue. After Tongue bowled five wides, the youngster opened his account with a single.

Soon after, he entertained the crowd by hitting Rajasthan Royals teammate Jofra Archer for a trademark sweep over fine leg for six. He followed it with another maximum over deep midwicket.

His innings ended when Will Jacks dismissed him. Jos Buttler completed a sharp stumping after Sooryavanshi stepped out of his crease and failed to get back in time.

Abhishek Sharma Gives India a Flying Start

Abhishek Sharma continued his excellent record against England with another aggressive knock. Although he started cautiously, he quickly found his rhythm and attacked the English bowlers.

He punished Josh Tongue in one over with powerful boundaries and sixes before taking on Will Jacks and Sam Curran. Abhishek scored 43 runs from just 24 balls and helped India race to 65 for 2 during the powerplay.

His innings ended when he mistimed a low full toss straight to deep midwicket.

Kishan and Iyer Rebuild the Innings

After losing early wickets, India slowed down as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a valuable partnership.

England's bowlers tightened their grip during the middle overs, restricting India's scoring rate. Kishan survived an early chance when Phil Salt failed to hold on to a difficult catch near the boundary.

Despite the pressure, the pair kept the scoreboard moving before Liam Dawson and the England fielders broke the partnership. Iyer was caught in the deep after adding useful runs, while Kishan scored a patient 49 before falling in the closing stages.

Tilak Varma Lifts India to 190

England dominated much of the death overs as Shivam Dube struggled to score and Axar Patel was run out by Jos Buttler. However, Tilak Varma provided the late fireworks India desperately needed. He smashed consecutive sixes off Archer and added more boundaries in the final over. Harshit Rana also chipped in with a six as India recovered to post 190 for 9.

Arshdeep Singh Rocks England Early

India made the perfect start with the ball as Arshdeep Singh dismissed both England openers in the opening over. Phil Salt edged behind on the very first ball he faced, while captain Jos Buttler departed for a three-ball duck after Varun Chakravarthy completed a smart catch. England were left struggling at 1 for 2.

Harry Brook Launches the Counterattack

Harry Brook quickly shifted the momentum back towards England with a breathtaking innings. He attacked Arshdeep Singh with three sixes and two fours in one over, taking advantage of anything loose. Along with Bethell, Brook added a rapid fifty partnership from just 23 balls. Brook's entertaining knock of 39 from only 15 balls ended when Axar Patel forced an edge that was confirmed through DRS.

Bethell Holds His Nerve

After Brook's dismissal, Bethell anchored England's chase while Tom Banton played a valuable supporting role. The pair added 67 runs and kept England in the contest even as India's spinners applied pressure. When Banton departed and Will Jacks was trapped lbw, England still needed a challenging finish.

Bethell remained patient before choosing the perfect moment to attack. He punished Ravi Bishnoi in the decisive 17th over, collecting three sixes and turning the game completely in England's favour. He stayed unbeaten on 76 from 46 balls as England comfortably completed the chase and secured the opening match of the series.

Brief Scorecard