India all-rounder Washington Sundar finished the opening ODI chase against England with an unbeaten 52 off 63 balls, striking a decisive six to seal a six-wicket victory at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14. The run in response to England's 258 ended India's winless streak on their troubled ongoing tour of the United Kingdom, which had seen them lose the five-match T20I series 4-0.

Sundar arrived at the crease when India faced mounting pressure at 160 for 4, after captain Shubman Gill retired hurt for 80 off 75 balls. The left-hander then forged a crucial unbroken 102-run stand with Axar Patel for the fifth wicket, stabilising the chase and steering his team to victory. Axar remained unbeaten on 57 off 52 balls, claiming Player of the Match honours.

"The fact that I play different roles across formats is exciting. Not many people get to play different roles. I get to play those different roles and be in different situations and obviously try my best to help the team win. Over the years I have understood that I've to keep improving my skill sets, which will help me whenever the situation arrives across formats," Sundar said at the post-match press conference.

How did Sundar and Axar's partnership rescue India's chase?

The pitch had offered movement, but both batters adapted skilfully to the conditions. Sundar praised his partner's aggression during their match-winning stand, while acknowledging the captain's earlier contribution to the setup. The all-rounder believed the combination of resilience and aggression proved decisive when India needed it most.

"There was definitely a little bit on the wicket, but Shubman batted really well. Even Shreyas, the partnership with Shubman was really important. Axar's crucial boundaries made it look easy for us. It wasn't as easy as it looked like. We played really well, and we're happy to have won this game," Sundar added further.

Axar claimed 4-62 with the ball in his opening spell before producing the unbeaten half-century, becoming only the sixth Indian man to achieve a fifty and four-wicket haul in the same ODI. India's depth on display through both all-rounders has now positioned them strongly as they chase a series clincher in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16.