In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India secured a 2-0 series victory over England in the second One Day International (ODI) held at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on February 9, 2025. The match was highlighted by a stellar century from captain Rohit Sharma, who amassed 119 runs off 90 balls, marking his 32nd ODI hundred. This performance not only reaffirmed his leadership but also showcased his enduring batting mastery.
England’s Innings: A Promising Start Undermined by Middle-Order Collapse
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Phil Salt, provided a robust foundation with an 81-run partnership. Duckett’s aggressive 65 runs off 56 balls were instrumental in setting the pace. However, following Salt’s dismissal for 26, England’s momentum wavered. Joe Root contributed a steady 69, but the middle-order faltered, leading to a total of 304 runs before being bowled out in the final over. India’s Ravindra Jadeja was particularly effective, claiming 3 wickets for 35 runs, applying crucial pressure during the middle overs.
India’s Chase: Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass and Supporting Contributions
Chasing a target of 305, India commenced with a formidable opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, amassing 136 runs. Gill’s composed 60 runs complemented Sharma’s aggressive play. Despite a brief stutter in the middle order, with Virat Kohli departing early and Shreyas Iyer being run out after a promising 44, India maintained control. All-rounder Axar Patel’s unbeaten 41 ensured that India reached the target with 33 balls to spare, concluding at 308 for 6.
Key Performances and Tactical Insights
- Rohit Sharma’s Century: Demonstrated a blend of patience and aggression, reaching his century in 76 balls, including 12 fours and 7 sixes.
- Bowling Strategies: Jadeja’s spin bowling in the middle overs curtailed England’s run rate, while debutant Varun Chakravarthy showcased potential with his economical spell.
- Fielding Excellence: India’s fielding was sharp, with crucial catches and a notable run-out by Iyer that shifted the game’s momentum.
Post-Match Reflections
Captain Rohit Sharma expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of breaking the chase into manageable segments and building partnerships. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, acknowledged the need for converting starts into substantial scores and the importance of capitalizing on strong foundations.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India clinches the series, rendering the final ODI in Ahmedabad a formality. However, both teams are expected to use the upcoming match to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. England will aim to address their middle-order vulnerabilities, while India will look to maintain their winning momentum and further assess their squad depth.
Match Summary
England posted a total of 304 in 49.5 overs, with Joe Root scoring 69 and Ben Duckett contributing 65. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler for India, claiming 3 for 35. In response, India successfully chased the target in 44.3 overs, finishing at 308 for 6. Rohit Sharma led the charge with a brilliant 119, supported by Shubman Gill’s 60 and Axar Patel’s unbeaten 41. Jamie Overton was England’s best bowler, taking 2 for 27, but India secured victory by four wickets.
This match underscores India’s dominance in the series and highlights key areas for both teams as they prepare for future international engagements.
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Conclusion
India’s emphatic win over England in the second ODI showcased their dominance, with Rohit Sharma’s century leading a clinical chase. The victory sealed the series 2-0, reinforcing India’s strength ahead of major tournaments. England, despite a strong start, faltered in the middle overs, exposing key areas for improvement. With the final ODI in Ahmedabad, both teams will look to fine-tune their game plans for upcoming challenges.
