By Rohit Sharma’s Stunning Century Leads India to Series Victory Over England
Rohit Sharma’s silenced his critics with a magnificent 32nd ODI century, guiding India to a commanding four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI at Cuttack on Sunday. This win secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, underlining India’s dominance ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
England’s Batting Struggles as Jadeja Shines
Electing to bat first on a favorable pitch, England was bundled out for 304 in 49.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja once again showcased his brilliance, taking 3/35 and restricting England’s middle-order momentum. His tactical bowling proved crucial in dismantling the English lineup, dismissing key players like Ben Duckett (65 off 56 balls) and Joe Root (69 off 72 balls).
England started strong, with Root and Duckett stitching together a solid partnership. However, their innings lost steam after reaching 200/3 in 35 overs. A flurry of wickets, including three run-outs in the final overs, prevented England from posting a more imposing total. Despite late contributions from Liam Livingstone (41 off 32 balls) and Adil Rashid (14 off 10 balls), England fell short of their target.
Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass in Chase
Chasing 305, Rohit Sharma made the run chase look effortless, returning to his World Cup 2023 form with his signature strokeplay. His 90-ball 119 was a spectacle of precise timing, elegant cuts, and powerful pull shots. His century, the second-fastest of his career after his 63-ball ton against Afghanistan, came in just 76 deliveries, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest ODI batters.
Shubman Gill provided excellent support with a fluent 60 off 52 balls, hitting nine boundaries and a six. The duo forged their sixth-century partnership, adding 136 runs for the opening wicket, setting a solid foundation for India’s successful chase.
Middle-Order Stumbles, But Axar Steadies the Ship
Despite the solid start, India faced a mini-collapse in the middle order. Virat Kohli, returning from a knee injury, fell cheaply for 5 runs to Adil Rashid’s leg-break. Shreyas Iyer (44) added a crucial 70-run stand with Rohit before the captain was dismissed by a full toss, caught brilliantly by Rashid while running backward.
KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya struggled to make an impact, departing for 10 runs each. However, Axar Patel (41* off 38 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (11* off 14 balls) held their nerves and ensured India’s victory with 33 balls to spare.
Rohit Sharma’s Milestone and Tactical Brilliance
Rohit Sharma’s scintillating knock not only sealed the series but also placed him among the top-10 all-time highest ODI run-scorers. Surpassing Rahul Dravid’s 10,889 runs, Rohit now boasts 10,987 ODI runs and is just 13 runs away from reaching the 11,000-run milestone.
His innings were a treat to watch, featuring audacious pull shots, classic cover drives, and even a rare reverse sweep against Rashid. He took on England’s pacers fearlessly, smashing Gus Atkinson for an effortless six over mid-wicket and dispatching Saqib Mahmood for a stunning maximum over cover.
A 35-minute floodlight delay when Rohit was batting on 29 did little to break his rhythm. Upon resumption, he continued to dominate, handling Mark Wood’s pace with finesse and surviving an LBW appeal on 36 before immediately responding with a towering six over mid-on.
Jadeja’s Impact with the Ball
Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja was the standout performer with the ball. His disciplined bowling removed Duckett, who misjudged a slower delivery and chipped it to mid-on. He also got the crucial wicket of Root, dismissed for the fifth time in ODIs, caught by Kohli at deep extra cover.
Jamie Overton was Jadeja’s final victim, caught by Gill at cover, as England crumbled in the final overs. Debutant Varun Chakravarthy (1/54) was decent, though India’s two unsuccessful reviews against Root highlighted some decision-making lapses.
Looking Ahead to Ahmedabad
With this emphatic win, India takes an unassailable 2-0 series lead. The third and final ODI, set to take place in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, provides an opportunity for India to complete a clean sweep, while England will look for a consolation victory.
As India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma’s return to top form, Jadeja’s impactful bowling, and the team’s overall balance make them strong contenders for future tournaments.
Keywords: Rohit Sharma century, India vs England ODI series, Ravindra Jadeja bowling, Shubman Gill partnership, India cricket news, Rohit Sharma records, India ODI chase, England vs India match highlights.
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