Explore how Rohit Sharma’s stunning century propelled India to a series victory against England. Read about the match’s pivotal moments and player performances.
Introduction:
He delivered a masterclass of power and precision as Rohit Sharma batted his way into the records to silence the critics and stamp his leadership against England in the second ODI at Cuttack. A 32nd ODI hundred paved the way for India to dominate the run chase of 305, eventually going on to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. His 119-run knock off just 90 balls, with 12 boundaries and seven towering sixes, spoke volumes of his potential under pressure. See also: Shubman Gill, Axar Patel Shine as India Chase Down 249
England’s Innings: Promising Start, Underwhelming Finish
England’s batting lineup gave a mixed performance, with multiple contributions but no standout innings. Despite seven players reaching double figures, no batter could capitalize fully. Joe Root top-scored with 69 off 72 balls, but England’s innings lacked the momentum needed to set a truly daunting target.
The English openers, Ben Duckett and Phil Salt, gave their team a good platform with an 81-run stand in just 65 balls. However, India’s spin attack, led by the experienced Ravindra Jadeja, gradually strangled England’s middle order. After a promising partnership between Root and Jos Buttler (51 runs), England suffered a collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 85 runs. Run-outs compounded their misery, with three dismissals caused by poor running between the wickets. See also: Kane Williamson’s Heroics 133*
Liam Livingstone provided late pressure with an aggressive 41 off 32 balls and smashed two mighty sixes off Harshit Rana. Adil Rashid also had a hard-hitting spell, scoring an aggressive 14 runs off five balls. He fell prey to a run-out, in which England’s lower order ultimately failed to finish the match strongly as they were left stranded at 304 all out from one ball remaining.
Rohit Sharma’s Explosive Knock Changes the Necessities
Target 305. The Indians needed an composed yet attacking approach. They got it through Rohit Sharma. Although the start was cautious, a streaky boundary off Gus Atkinson seemed to be the spark which ignited him, and the very next delivery went for an elegant pick-up shot over mid-wicket for six, signifying his intent.
Rohit’s innings was a perfect blend of technical finesse and raw power. He particularly punished Saqib Mahmood, smashing two exquisite sixes over extra cover and long-off. As he settled into his rhythm, he tormented England’s bowlers, reaching his half-century in just 30 balls.
However, in the seventh over, a sudden floodlight failure caused a delay of 40 minutes. Upon resumption, England tried to change the pace of the game. Mark Wood hit Rohit on the knee-roll. According to the review from the English side, it was clipping the leg stump. Rohit gave a very assertive reply by stepping forward and lofting majestically long-off for another six.
India’s Chase: Gill’s Support and Late Jitters
Shubman Gill played a perfect supporting role, scoring his runs at a steady pace but letting Rohit dominate. The duo brought up a 100-run partnership in just 14 overs. Eventually, Gill completed his half-century from 45 balls but was bowled by Jamie Overton soon after that, leaving India at 136 for 1.
The much-awaited return of Virat Kohli followed. He started with a trademark cover drive, raising the crowd’s hopes. However, his stay was short-lived as Adil Rashid outfoxed him with a turning delivery that kissed the bat’s edge, sending him back after just eight balls.
Rohit continued his onslaught and reached his century in style, lofting Rashid over long-off for his seventh six. His dismissal, via a mistimed full-toss off Liam Livingstone, provided England with a glimmer of hope, especially when Shreyas Iyer was run out for 44 shortly after. India suddenly lost three wickets in five overs, injecting tension into the chase.
Axar Patel Steadies the Ship as Jadeja Seals the Win
Despite the brief stutter, Axar Patel continued as a finisher. His composed 41 off 43 balls ensured that India stayed on track. The England bowlers attempted to capitalize on the middle-order collapse but Patel and Jadeja expertly maneuvered the run chase.
Jaisingh Jadeja sealed the win with a classic boundary sending the Indian fans to jubilation as India won with 33 balls to spare. It wasn’t only securing the series but showing the depth and resilience of the side.
Missteps by England and dominance of India
England was a concern for not being able to convert good starts. A reliance on power-hitting without a solid anchor meant they failed in the quest to put up a match-winning total. India demonstrated all-round superiority. Jadeja got 3 for 35 in restricting England, and their batting carried out the successful chase confidently.
The match also reinforced Rohit Sharma’s credentials as a leader. Despite doubts over his form, he proved once again that he is there to be seen in white-ball cricket. His performance ahead of the Champions Trophy means India’s campaign will have some momentum going into it.
India now travels to Ahmedabad for the final ODI, and that will be a clean sweep. England is back to the drawing board; at least in the finale of the series, it will look to salvage some pride.