Rohit Sharma Century Helps India Ease Past England By 4 Wickets, Seal Series
In a commanding performance, India captain Rohit Sharma delivered a sensational century to lead his team to a 4-wicket victory over England in the second ODI on Sunday, securing the three-match series. England, after opting to bat first, posted a total of 304 all-out, with Ravindra Jadeja impressing with figures of 3 for 35.
Chasing the target, Rohit Sharma put on a masterclass, smashing 119 runs off just 90 balls. His innings, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, marked a return to form in style. With this knock, Rohit recorded his 32nd ODI century, surpassing Rahul Dravid on the list of Indian batters with the most international centuries. He now stands third on the elite list, behind Virat Kohli (81) and Sachin Tendulkar (100).
Adding another milestone to his illustrious career, Rohit also overtook Chris Gayle in the record books for most sixes in ODI cricket. The Indian skipper now holds the second spot with 332 sixes, surpassing Gayle's 331. The list is topped by Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, who remains ahead with 351 sixes.
India secured a dominant four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI at the Barbati Stadium in Cuttack, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a target of 305, India started strong with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill forging a solid 136-run opening stand. The match saw a brief halt due to a floodlight malfunction, but both openers ensured India remained on track.
Rohit Sharma, who had been struggling for form, returned in style with a magnificent century off just 76 balls—his second-fastest in ODIs. The Indian captain played a stellar knock of 119 off 90 balls before getting dismissed. Contributions from Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41) helped India comfortably chase down the target and seal the series.
Earlier, England opted to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Ben Duckett and Phil Salt provided a flying start, adding 75 runs in the first 10 overs. Varun Chakravarthy, making his ODI debut, dismissed Salt in the second over. Duckett smashed a quick-fire half-century in just 36 balls, while Joe Root anchored the innings with a solid 69 off 72 deliveries. Both batters were removed by Ravindra Jadeja, who played a crucial role with the ball. A late flourish from Liam Livingstone (41 off 32 balls) propelled England to a competitive total of 304.
However, Rohit Sharma’s brilliance with the bat ensured India’s comfortable win, cementing their dominance in the series.
India Clinches Series with Commanding Four-Wicket Victory Over England in 2nd ODI
India sealed the three-match series with an emphatic four-wicket win over England in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.
England’s Batting Performance:
After winning the toss, England chose to bat first and got off to a flying start, thanks to an 81-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Philip Salt in just 65 balls. Duckett played a brilliant knock of 65 off 56 balls, while Salt provided early momentum. Joe Root continued to anchor the innings with a determined 69 off 72 balls, forming a crucial 65-run stand with Harry Brook (31 off 52 balls). England’s middle order saw vital contributions from Jos Buttler (34 off 35 balls) and Liam Livingstone (41 off 32 balls), helping the visitors post a competitive total of 304. India’s Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 for 35 in 10 overs.
India’s Chase Led by Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance:
Chasing 305, India started strongly with a stunning 136-run opening stand between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in just 100 balls. Gill showcased his class with a solid 60 off 52 balls, while Rohit silenced critics with a magnificent century off just 76 deliveries—his second-fastest in ODI cricket. The Indian captain played a match-winning knock of 119 in 90 balls, putting his team in a commanding position. Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41) guided India home comfortably, securing a series-clinching victory.
Match Summary
- Toss: England won the toss and elected to bat first
- England Total: 304 all-out (Ben Duckett 65, Joe Root 69, Ravindra Jadeja 3/35)
- India Total: 305/6 (Rohit Sharma 119, Shubman Gill 60)
- Result: India won by 4 wickets, leading the series 2-0
Playing XIs
India XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.
England XI: Philip Salt (WK), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood.
With this win, India has taken an unassailable lead in the series, showcasing their dominance with both bat and ball.
