Crushing Win For India

Kevin Pietersen’s decision to field because of an early morning start in Rajkot backfired spectacularly as India galloped out of the blocks and never looked back. What seemed a brave decision turned into an utter disaster with India posting 387 for 5 in 50 overs of ballistic strokeplay. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag added 127 for the first wicket, after which Yuvraj Singh overcame a stiff back to slam an unbeaten 138 from only 78 balls.

In Reply England managed only 229 in reply in perfect batting conditions despite a classy 63 from skipper Kevin Pietersen and Ravi Bopara’s unbeaten 54 off 38 balls lower down the order.

The tourists were in danger of falling below their heaviest-ever loss total before Bopara’s late charge, which included five sixes and two fours, saved Pietersen’s men the blushes. Click to view complete ScoreCard

It was India’s highest total against a major cricketing nation — they made 376-2 against New Zealand in 1999 — although their best ever is 413-5 against Bermuda at the 2007 World Cup.

"At the end of the day when you stand up and watch innings like the ones Yuvraj, Sehwag and Gambhir played, you just have to say: well played guys," said Pietersen.