Opener Abhishek Sharma's sensational power-hitting secured India's comprehensive seven-wicket victory against England in the opening T20 International at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The left-hander clobbered eight sixes and five fours in his scintillating 79 off 34 balls as India chased down a modest 133-run target in 12.

England kick off their first white-ball series against India in three years today in Kolkata, with head coach Brendon McCullum looking to mould his side ahead of next month's Champions Trophy.  The fall out from England's disappointing performance at last year's T20 World Cup saw McCullum take charge of the limited-overs squad,

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata.

India outclassed England in the first T20I at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to equal a major record of Pakistan in T20 cricket. Abhishek Sharma's blistering knock of 79 powered India to a seven-wicket win over England while chasing a mediocre score of 133.

Only Buttler, with 68 off 44 balls, emerged with credit before India overhauled their target with seven wickets and 7.1 overs to spare.

The T20 series, followed by three ODIs, between the two teams serve as a warm-up for the 50-over Champions Trophy next month.