India played its first ever One Day International (ODI) cricket match against which national team?

Introduction / Context:
One Day International (ODI) cricket has become a major format of the game, and each national team has a history that includes its very first ODI match. Exam questions frequently ask about debut matches and historical milestones. For India, the first ODI appearance marks the beginning of an important era in limited overs cricket. This question asks you to recall which team India faced in its first official ODI match.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on India first official ODI match.
• We need to identify the opponent team in that debut match.
• The options are Ireland, England, Pakistan, and West Indies.
• We assume the match took place in the early years of ODI cricket.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is the historical development of Indian cricket in the limited overs format. ODI cricket began in the early 1970s, and India first entered this format by playing an ODI in England. Standard cricket general knowledge notes emphasise that India first ODI was played against England at Leeds in 1974. The approach is therefore to connect India early limited overs history with tours of England and to pick England as the correct opponent.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question is about India first ODI opponent, not about its first Test opponent. Step 2: Recall that ODI cricket began in the early 1970s and India joined the format around 1974. Step 3: Remember that India first ODI was played in England during a tour of that country. Step 4: Among the given options, identify England as the team India toured at that time for this debut ODI. Step 5: Choose England as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to match typical debut facts taught together. India played its first Test match also against England, and many exam notes highlight that both the first Test and first ODI opponents for India were England, although in different years and formats. Ireland became an ODI nation much later, Pakistan began ODIs around the same time but is not the debut opponent, and West Indies faced India later in ODI history. This cross check with general patterns confirms that England is the right choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ireland: Ireland gained full ODI and Test status in recent decades and did not exist as India opponent in official ODIs at the time of India debut in this format.
Pakistan: India and Pakistan have played many historic ODIs, but Pakistan was not the team against which India played its very first ODI match.
West Indies: West Indies were a dominant side in early ODI cricket, but India debut ODI was not against them; it was against England in English conditions.

Common Pitfalls:
Some aspirants confuse India first ODI opponent with a more emotionally memorable rival like Pakistan, especially because India Pakistan encounters generate a lot of attention. Others assume that because West Indies dominated the early World Cups, India debut must have been against them. To avoid such mistakes, you should separately memorise the first Test and first ODI opponents for each major team and not rely on emotional memory or guesswork. India connection with England in both formats is a helpful anchor for remembering this fact.

Final Answer:
India played its first One Day International cricket match against England, so option B is correct.