In a thrilling encounter at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium on February 9, 2025, India clinched the One Day International (ODI) series against England with a commanding four-wicket victory, propelled by a stellar century from captain Rohit Sharma.
England's Innings: A Solid Start
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England's openers, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, provided a steady foundation. Duckett showcased his form with a well-crafted 65, while Joe Root anchored the innings with a composed 69. Despite these contributions, England's middle order struggled to capitalize fully, culminating in a total of 304 runs before being bowled out in 49.5 overs.
India's Bowling Prowess
India's bowling attack demonstrated discipline and effectiveness. Ravindra Jadeja was particularly impressive, delivering a masterful spell that yielded three wickets for just 35 runs. Debutant Varun Chakravarthy also made a notable impact, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Rohit Sharma's Resurgence
Chasing a target of 305, India needed a strong start. Captain Rohit Sharma rose to the occasion, delivering a scintillating innings of 119 runs off 90 balls. This century not only marked his 49th international ton but also signaled a significant return to form after a period of modest performances.
Support from the Batting Line-up
Shubman Gill provided valuable support with a solid 60, forming a crucial partnership with Sharma that set the tone for the chase. Despite a few late wickets, contributions from Axar Patel (41 not out) and others ensured that India reached the target comfortably, finishing at 308 for 6 in just 44.3 overs.
England's Bowling Challenges
England's bowling unit faced challenges, with injuries affecting team composition. The absence of Jacob Bethell due to a hamstring injury led to the inclusion of Tom Banton. The bowlers struggled to contain India's aggressive batting, highlighting areas needing attention ahead of upcoming tournaments.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, rendering the final ODI in Ahmedabad a formality. England, having already lost the preceding T20 series 4-1, will aim to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they prepare for the forthcoming Champions Trophy.
Rohit Sharma's return to form is a significant boost for India as they look ahead to the Champions Trophy, starting against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. His leadership and batting prowess will be pivotal as India aims for further success on the international stage.