India Clinches ODI Series 2-0 as Captain Rohit Leads from the Front with a Stunning 119-Run Knock
Cuttack (Odisha), February 10:
Rohit Sharma silenced his critics in emphatic fashion with a sensational 119-run knock, leading India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium on Sunday. With this win, India secured the three-match ODI series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, further cementing their dominance ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The match witnessed an electrifying display of power-hitting from the Indian skipper, who smashed a 76-ball century, laced with 12 boundaries and seven sixes. His innings set the perfect foundation for India to chase down England’s challenging total of 304, achieving the target in just 45 overs.
Rohit’s Masterclass and Gill’s Solid Support
Opening alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill (60 off 52 balls), Rohit Sharma set the tone early, launching a brutal attack on England’s bowlers. The duo put on a commanding 136-run partnership before Jamie Overton dismissed Gill in the 17th over.
Virat Kohli (10 off 14 balls) had a brief stay at the crease, falling to Adil Rashid in the 20th over. However, Shreyas Iyer (44 off 47 balls) joined Rohit and continued the aggressive approach, stitching together a crucial 70-run stand.
Rohit brought up his 32nd ODI century in style, launching a massive six over long-off. However, his brilliant knock ended in the 30th over when Liam Livingstone dismissed him for 119, giving England a glimmer of hope.
England Fights Back but Axar-Jadeja Ensure Victory
After Rohit’s dismissal, England fought back with quick breakthroughs, dismissing Iyer (run-out in the 37th over) and KL Rahul (10 off 14 balls) in the 41st over. Hardik Pandya (10 off 6 balls) contributed briefly before falling to Gus Atkinson.
Despite the setbacks, Axar Patel (41* off 43 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (11* off 7 balls) held their nerve, guiding India to victory. Jadeja finished the match in style, driving a boundary between mid-off and cover to seal the win.
England’s First Innings: Root and Duckett Shine
Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat. Openers Ben Duckett (65 off 56 balls) and Philip Salt (26 off 28 balls) provided a strong 81-run start before Salt was dismissed by debutant Varun Chakravarthy.
Joe Root anchored the innings with a well-crafted 69 off 72 balls, while Liam Livingstone (41 off 32 balls), Jos Buttler (34 off 35 balls), and Harry Brook (31 off 52 balls) contributed crucial runs. Adil Rashid added quick runs in the death overs with three consecutive boundaries off Mohammed Shami before being run out in the 49th over. England was bowled out for 304 in 49.5 overs.
Jadeja Shines with the Ball
India’s bowling was spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja, who returned figures of 3/35 in 10 overs, including a maiden. He dismissed Duckett and Root while also keeping the run flow in check. Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Shami picked up one wicket each. Three run-outs further dented England’s total, two of them coming in the final over.
What’s Next?
With an unassailable 2-0 lead, India will now head to Ahmedabad for the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. England, on the other hand, will look to avoid a clean sweep and salvage some pride in the series.
Brief Scores:
England: 304 all out (Joe Root 69, Ben Duckett 65, Liam Livingstone 41; Ravindra Jadeja 3/35)
India: 308/6 (Rohit Sharma 119, Shubman Gill 60, Axar Patel 41*; Jamie Overton 2/27)