New Delhi: In a thrilling display of batting prowess, Indian captain Rohit Sharma led his team to a decisive four-wicket victory over England in the second One Day International (ODI) at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9, 2025. This win cemented India’s unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, silencing critics and marking Rohit’s 32nd ODI century.
Rohit Sharma’s blistering 119 runs off just 90 balls, adorned with 12 fours and 7 sixes, was the cornerstone of India’s successful chase of England’s 304 runs. This performance not only showcased his mastery but also underscored his ability to deliver under pressure. The match, which saw India reach their target in 44.3 overs, highlighted the team’s depth and resilience.
England, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a respectable 304 runs in 49.5 overs. The English innings was bolstered by significant contributions from Ben Duckett, who scored 65 off 56 balls, and Joe Root, who hit 69 off 72 balls. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s disciplined bowling, yielding 3 wickets for 35 runs, disrupted England’s momentum and prevented them from posting an even higher total.
The Indian chase was set up by a robust 136-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who scored 60 runs from 52 balls. Despite the loss of Gill and the return of Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for just 5 runs after missing the first ODI due to a knee injury, Rohit’s innings remained the anchor. His partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who scored 44 runs, further solidified India’s position before Iyer was run out.
The middle order saw some turbulence with quick dismissals of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, but Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten, guiding India to victory with 33 balls to spare. This win was also significant for Rohit Sharma as he surpassed Rahul Dravid’s ODI run tally, entering the top-10 ODI run-scorers list with 10,987 runs.
As the series moves to its final match in Ahmedabad on February 12, England will look to salvage some pride, while India will aim to complete a clean sweep. Rohit Sharma’s performance has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.
