Cuttack, February 9, 2025 – India sealed the ODI series against England with a commanding win in the second match, successfully chasing down a 305-run target. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a stunning century, his second-fastest in ODIs, ensuring India's dominance in the series.
England Posts Competitive 304, But Struggles in Death Overs
After winning the toss, England opted to bat first, and their openers Phil Salt (26 off 29 balls) and Ben Duckett (65 off 56 balls) provided a strong start. They put pressure on the Indian bowlers early, playing with positive intent.
In the middle overs, Joe Root (69 off 72 balls) and skipper Jos Buttler (34 off 35 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking. Towards the end, Liam Livingstone's cameo of 41 off 32 balls gave England hope of a big total. However, India's bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/52), pulled things back in the death overs, restricting England to 304 all out in 50 overs.
Other Indian bowlers also chipped in:
- Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up a wicket each, ensuring England couldn't accelerate in the final overs.
Rohit Sharma's Century Headlines India's Chase
Chasing 305, Indian openers Rohit Sharma (C) and Shubman Gill (VC) provided a flying start. The duo took on England's bowlers right from the start, ensuring a solid foundation.
Rohit Sharma was in imperious touch, smashing his second-fastest ODI century in just 76 balls. His knock of 119 off 90 balls, including 12 fours and 7 sixes, was a masterclass in aggressive batting.
England got their first breakthrough when Overton dismissed Gill for 60, bowling him through the gate. Soon after, India suffered a mini-collapse with Virat Kohli departing for just 5 runs, followed by Shreyas Iyer (44 runs) falling short of a half-century.
Rohit’s brilliant innings came to an end when Liam Livingstone dismissed him, thanks to a stunning catch by Adil Rashid. However, by then, India was well on course for victory.
India Seals Series Win in Style
Despite losing a few wickets, India's lower order held firm, guiding the team to victory with ease. With this win, India takes an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Match Highlights:
- England posted 304 all out in 50 overs.
- Ben Duckett (65), Joe Root (69), and Liam Livingstone (41) contributed key runs.
- Ravindra Jadeja (3/52) led India’s bowling attack.
- Rohit Sharma's century (119 off 90) set up India's chase.
- Shubman Gill (60) and Shreyas Iyer (44) played valuable knocks.
- India chased down 305 comfortably, sealing the ODI series 2-0.
With the series won, India may experiment with their squad in the third ODI, while England will look to salvage some pride and close the series on positive note as champions trophy is next on list. Stay tuned for more updates!
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