India have cruised to a seven wicket win over England in their Twenty20 World Cup warm-up in Dubai, meeting for the first time since their Old Trafford Test cancellation.
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England posted an impressive 5-188 led by Jonny Bairstow's 49 off 36 balls but India were hardly troubled as they reached 3-192 with an over to spare.
India lined up against England five weeks after their deciding fifth Test at Old Trafford was called off at the last minute due to COVID-19 concerns in the touring camp.
And England appeared to relish the meeting, posting a challenging target after heroics from Bairstow - who hit four fours and a six - and Moeen Ali ,who was 43 not out off just 20 balls after hitting 16 off the last three deliveries.
But it was not enough to stop India who were set up by an 82-run opening stand by KL Rahul (51) and Ishan Kishan, who retired on 70 not out off 46 balls.
India needed 20 off the final two overs for victory.
But they still reached the target with six balls to spare after Chris Jordan conceded 23 in the 19th over including seven in no-balls.
Rishabh Pant (29 not out off 14 balls) steered India home, hitting the winning runs with his third six.
England captain Eoin Morgan opted to sit out after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the Indian Premier League final.
England's second and final warm-up game is against New Zealand on Wednesday, ahead of their tournament opener against the West Indies on Saturday.
India take on Australia in a Wednesday warm-up.
Australian Associated Press