England defeated India by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series at Green Park, Kanpur on Thursday.

Eoin Morgan won the toss and put India into bat first on a pitch where a run feast was expected. But a disciplined bowling effort from the visitors saw India restricted to just 147/7 in their 20 overs.

The returning Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni made 34 and 36* respectively, but the Indian batsmen were never in command during their time in the middle.

Moeen Ali was the most impressive of the English bowlers, picking up figures of 2/21 from his four overs.

In reply, England were in control for most of the chase despite leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picking up two wickets in an over during the powerplay.

Openers Jason Roy and Sam Billings added 42 in just 20 deliveries at the start of the innings, before captain Morgan notched up a half-century to all but make sure that England would come out victorious.

Joe Root scored an unbeaten 46, as England eased to victory with 11 balls left.

BRIEF SCORES

India 147/7 – 20 overs [Dhoni 36*, Raina 34, Ali 2/21] lost to England 148/3 – 18.1 overs [Morgan 51, Root 46*, Chahal 2/27] by seven wickets.

Man of the Match – Moeen Ali.