India all-rounder Krunal Pandya made a memorable start in 50-overs cricket as he scored the fastest fifty by an ODI debutant against England in Pune on Tuesday. Krunal hit an unbeaten 58 off 31 balls, adding 112 off the last 57 balls with KL Rahul (62 not out off 43 balls), as India posted 317-5 in the series opener. The innings was set up by Shikhar Dhawan, who missed his 18th ODI hundred by two runs. Captain Virat Kohli compiled a sedate 56 while KL Rahul returned to form with a well-composed fifty as India recovered from a middle-order collapse. Ben Stokes picked up 3-34 and Mark Wood took 2-75, but a blistering century stand between Krunal and Rahul gave India a formidable total to defend. Krunal smashed seven fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 58 and Rahul, who could score only 15 in four T20s against England, hit four fours and four sixes. England seemed to be in control by restricting India to 205-5 in 40 overs, but Krunal and Rahul then cut loose with powerful drives and pull shots. Dhawan, who made 98 off 106 balls, and Kohli also shared a 105-run second-wicket stand before India lost four wickets in the space of 36 runs. The innings was then revived by Krunal, whose 26-ball fifty was the fastest by a debutant in ODIs.
