England snatches a thrilling win against India

England beat host India by 9 runs in the first ODI in Rajkot on Friday. England takes 1-0 lead in their five-match series against India.

England won the toss and elected to bat first. Captain Alastair Cook made brilliant 75 while his opening partner Ian Bell scored 85. Kevin Pietersen made 44. They eventually broke a 30-year-old opening partnership record they put 152 runs partnership. England made 325 for the loss of four wickets.

Suresh Raina was out after brilliant 50 in 49 balls. Chasing 326 for victory, India were four down for 198 runs in 34.4 overs. Yuvraj was out after his brilliant 61 of 54 balls. Ajinkya Rahane (47), Gautam Gambhir (52) and Virat Kohli (15) were the other three batsmen dismissed earlier.

Chasing a massive target, Indian openers Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane got India off to a flying start. They put 96 runs partnership for the first wicket and India was looking solid. Ajinkya Rahane scored  47 and Gautam Gambhir was out for 52.

India finally scored 316 for the loss of 9 wickets in their 50 over, falling 9 runs short.

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