Young Jonny Bairstow starred on debut to help England beat India in a rain hit encounter in Cardiff. 21 year old Bairstow, the son of former England international David, slammed 41 off just 21 balls as England chased down their revised target of 241 in 34 overs with ten balls to spare.

The Indians, batting first, made 304 thanks to a century from Virat Kohli and half centuries from Rahul Dravid and skipper MS Dhoni. Dhoni scored at nearly two runs a ball and ensured that India made the maximum use of their power play overs after the dismissals of Kohli and Dravid in quick succession by Graeme Swann had threatened to derail the Indian innings.

The match was affected by rain not once, but twice, and England were finally set a target of 241 to win in 34 overs. Jonathan Trott hit his first ODI six and in the company of Alaistair Cook, added a solid stand after Kieswetter had gone for 21. Ian Bell chipped in with 26 but the task looked beyond England’s reach when Bopara and Bairstow came together with 75 odd required in eight overs.

Bairstow however showed great composure on his debut and hammered three sixes to change the momentum England’s way. Bopara, after a few nervy moments, got into his stride as India, without the injured Munaf Patel in the powerplay overs, lost control of a game that they looked likely to win.

Bairstow’s efforts earned him the Man of the Match Award.

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Posted on September 16th, 2011 by admin
Filed under: International