Rahul, Yadav lead India to crushing win over England

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 India's KL Rahul celebrates with Virat Kohli after reaching a century Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Lokesh Rahul made a brilliant unbeaten 101 to lead India to a crushing eight-wicket victory over England in the first Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Rahul plundered five sixes and 10 fours from 54 balls as India reached their target of 160 with 10 deliveries to spare.

India left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav took five wickets, including three in one over, as England struggled to a modest 159-8 from their 20 overs.

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's Eoin Morgan plays a shot which is caught by India's Virat Kohli (not pictured) Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Jos Buttler continued his rich vein of form with 69 off 46 balls but the hosts faltered after a bright start and Yadav's inspired spell of 5-24 ripped out their middle-order.

After the early loss of Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul and Rohit Sharma shared a rapid second-wicket partnership of 123 and India were able to knock off the last few runs mainly in singles as they eased to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India captain Virat Kohli praised the contributions of his match-winners.

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 India's KL Rahul celebrates after reaching a century Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

"He's (Rahul) someone who has come a long way," Kohli told Sky Sports. "We want guys like him to step up, so other guys can play with more freedom. He's very hungry and it's a great sign for Indian cricket.

"He's (Yadav) going to be effective on any pitches we play on. When it turns, he's going to be even more lethal. He's very difficult to pick."

The second game is in Cardiff on Friday.

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, David Willey and Eoin Morgan looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

(Reporting by Ed Osmond, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's Liam Plunkett shakes hands with India's KL Rahul after the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 India's Virat Kohli celebrates with KL Rahul after the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's Jos Buttler and Chris Jordan appeal Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's Joe Root looks dejected Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's David Willey celebrates taking the wicket of India's Shikhar Dhawan (not pictured) Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Cricket - England v India - First International T20 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - July 3, 2018 England's Eoin Morgan looks dejected as he walks off after losing his wicket Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes