Opener Abhishek Sharma's sensational power-hitting secured India's comprehensive seven-wicket victory against England in the opening T20 International at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The left-hander clobbered eight sixes and five fours in his scintillating 79 off 34 balls as India chased down a modest 133-run target in 12.

The T20 series, followed by three ODIs, between the two teams serve as a warm-up for the 50-over Champions Trophy next month.

Abhishek Sharma scored a 20-ball half-century as India beat England by seven wickets Wednesday in the first T20 of their five-match series. India's opener smacked five fours and eight sixes, scoring 79 off 34 balls,

India won by seven wickets. Scorecard. England's new era in white-ball cricket under Brendon McCullum began with a crushing defeat against world champions India as familiar frailt

England begin their white-ball era under Brendon McCullum in a Twenty20 series against India beginning in Kolkata on Wednesday with the coach promising the same attacking brand of cricket that has been the hallmark of his coaching.

England's new white-ball era under Brendon McCullum began on a bum note as India drew first blood in the five-match T20 series with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in Kolkata. McCullum has urged England to be "really watchable" under his stewardship as all-format head coach but only Jos Buttler got the memo as his 68 off 44 balls was over half of England's subpar 132 all out.