India vs England 1st T20I Pitch Report: Weather Forecast, Venue Records, Average Scores & Conditions

England and India begin their five-match T20I series at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, July 1. Both teams will look to start the upcoming series on a winning note.

England will enter the series with a home advantage under new captain Harry Brook, while India aim to recover from a disappointing series loss to Ireland. With explosive batting lineups and quality bowling attacks, an exciting contest is expected.

India vs England 1st T20I Match Details

Match: England vs India, 1st T20I

Tournament: India tour of England, 2026

Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM LOCAL (11:00 PM IST)

Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

India vs England 1st T20I Venue Overview

The Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street is one of England’s most scenic cricket venues. It is the home of Durham County Cricket Club and can accommodate around 17,000 spectators. The stadium has hosted several memorable international matches and features the Finchale End and the Lumley End.

India vs England 1st T20I Pitch Report

The Riverside Ground usually provides a balanced surface for T20 cricket. Fast bowlers are likely to get swing and seam movement with the new ball, especially under cloudy skies. As the innings progresses, batting becomes easier, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots with confidence.

India vs England 1st T20I Weather Forecast

The weather in Chester-le-Street is expected to remain cool and cloudy throughout the match. Temperatures will range between 14°C and 16°C, with humidity around 70%. There is a 30% chance of light drizzle, but a full 20-over match is expected.

India vs England 1st T20I: T20I Records at the Venue

The Riverside Ground has hosted five men’s T20Is so far. Teams batting first have enjoyed slightly better results, winning three matches, while chasing sides have won two. Recent matches have also shown that the surface has become more batting-friendly.

India vs England 1st T20I Average First Innings Score

The average first-innings score in the last five T20Is at Chester-le-Street is 163.2. Fast bowlers usually dominate the powerplay, but batting becomes easier once the ball gets older. A score of around 170-180 is often competitive at this venue.

India vs England 1st T20I Average Second Innings Score

Teams batting second have generally found chasing more difficult at this ground. Early movement with the new ball and scoreboard pressure have often made run-scoring tougher in the second innings.

India vs England 1st T20I Chasing Record at the Venue

Only two of the five T20Is at the Riverside Ground have been won by the chasing team. This record suggests that setting a target has been a slight advantage, especially when conditions assist the bowlers early.

India vs England 1st T20I Highest Team Total at the Venue

England hold the highest team total at this venue after scoring 195/5 against Australia on August 31, 2013. It remains the highest T20I score recorded at the Riverside Ground.

India vs England 1st T20I Lowest Team Total at the Venue

England also hold the lowest completed team total at the ground after finishing on 118/7 against South Africa on September 8, 2012. The innings showed how difficult batting can become when bowlers make the most of the conditions.

India vs England 1st T20I Crucial Venue Stats

• Matches Played: 5

• Won Batting First: 3

• Won Chasing: 2

• Average First Innings Score: 163.2

• Highest Team Total: England – 195/5 vs Australia

• Lowest Team Total: England – 118/7 vs South Africa

India vs England 1st T20I Pitch Report Verdict

The Riverside Ground is expected to provide a fair contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers should enjoy early swing and seam movement, while batters are likely to find scoring easier once they settle at the crease.

With teams batting first winning three of the five T20Is played at this venue, the toss-winning captain may choose to bat first. A total of around 175 should be enough to put the chasing side under pressure.

Also read: “You cannot become world champions”: Mike Hesson on Pakistan