Eng vs Ind Live Powerplay: India Smashed 65 For 2

MANCHESTER: An explosive counter-attack from opener Abhishek Sharma powered India to a commanding 65 for 2 at the end of the mandatory 6-over powerplay in the second T20 International against England at Emirates Old Trafford.

Having won the toss and elected to bat on a fresh Manchester surface, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer handed a historic international debut to 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Stepping onto the world stage as the youngest male debutant in international cricket history, the teenager opened the innings alongside the explosive Abhishek Sharma and showed immense composure. 

Faced with a strong opening spell from Jofra Archer and debutant paceman Josh Tongue, the Indian openers neutralized the initial swing with an array of aggressive strokes.

Sharma took the lead role in the assault, dismantling England's tactical field placements by hitting 8 boundaries and 1 massive six. The duo scored at a rapid rate of over ten runs per over to stun the home crowd. The opening pair looked completely untroubled as they comfortably brought up a 50-run partnership to lay a flawless foundation for the team.

However, England’s bowling unit fought back with a crucial double-blow just as India threatened to run away with the session. The vital breakthrough came courtesy of all-rounder Sam Curran, who broke the destructive partnership by dismissing the dangerous Sooryavanshi (14 off 10) right at the 50-run mark. 

Capitalizing on the sudden shift in momentum, England struck again almost immediately when spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks deceived Sharma (43 off 24), removing him just short of his half-century to leave the visitors momentarily staggered at 65 for 2.

Despite the late wickets, India maintained a scoring rate of over 10.8 runs per over during the restrictions. The explosive start successfully laid a massive foundation for Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.

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