India faced England in the first of its two practice games for the T20 World Cup at Dubai. The Men in Blue won the game by seven wickets with six balls to spare. 

The encounter was close, with India opting to bowl first and having to chase down England's 188/5 to win. India scored 192/3 in response to England's score to register a win. 

Below are the biggest takeaways from today's game: 

Bairstow, Ali shine for England 

England put up a healthy total against India with help mostly from Jonny Bairstow's 49 (36) and Moeen Ali's 43 (20). While the former's knock was crucial to stabilise England's ship, the latter's knock added some quick 30-odd runs to help the team or up a challenging total 

Mohammed Shami picks three 

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami picked three wickets out of the five that India took in England's effort to reach 188/5. He accounted for both owners Jason Roy and Jos Buttler's wickets, along with a dangerous looking Liam Livingstone's. 

Economical Bumrah, Ashwin 

While Shami helped himself to the major chunk of wickets taken against England, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were extremely economical in a match where the opponents scored at over 9 runs per over. With numbers 4-0-26-1, Bumrah finished with an economy of 6.5 and Ashwin, with 4-0-23-0, ended with a 5.8 economy, helping India restrict England to a chaseable total. 

Ishan, Rahul give India a good start 

India openers Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul gave the team a solid opening partnership to ensure a good start to the chase. Rahul's lightning fast 51 (24), along with Ishan's unforgiving 70-off-46 (retd hurt) helped India immensely. The first wicket partnership had added 82 runs in 8.2 overs before Rahul fell to Mark Wood. 

Pant, Hardik finish it off for India 

Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya finished off the game for India with 6 balls remaining despite the fact that the required run rate was hovering around 10 in the last 3-4 overs. Pant's 29* (14), including a last ball six, and Hardik's 12*, consisting of two fours gave India the necessary finish. 

India have started the preparations for the T20 World Cup on the right foot. They will next play Australia in Dubai on Wednesday, 20th October 2021 in their final practice game before entering the big stage on the coming Sunday, October 24th, 2021.