India won 2nd ODI, Thrilling Four-Wicket Victory Over England in Cuttack

India won 2nd ODI, Thrilling Four Wicket Victory Over England in Cuttack

by

India won 2nd ODI: In a high-octane clash at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium in Odisha, India defeated England by four wickets in the second ODI, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare. The match, punctuated by standout performances and dramatic twists, showcased India’s depth and resilience, while England’s middle-order collapse and missed opportunities proved costly.

England’s Innings: Root Duckett Stand Overshadowed by Collapse

England, opting to bat first on a black-soil pitch, started strongly with an 81-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett (65 off 56) and Phil Salt. Duckett’s aggressive strokeplay, including 10 boundaries, set the tone, while Salt survived a dropped catch by Axar Patel early on.

Joe Root (69) and Harry Brook (41 off 32) then anchored the middle overs, with Root surviving multiple close calls, including a missed LBW review and a dropped chance by Shreyas Iyer.

However, Ravindra Jadeja (3/35) and India’s spinners triggered a collapse, reducing England from 219/3 to 304 all out. Seven wickets fell for 85 runs, including three run-outs, with Jadeja dismissing Root for the fifth time in ODIs.

Liam Livingstone’s late cameo (41) and Adil Rashid’s 14 off 5 balls provided a late boost, but England’s total felt 20-30 runs short on a batting-friendly track (India won 2nd ODI).

India Chase: Rohit Sharma Masterclass

Chasing 305, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill dominated the powerplay, racing to 48/0 in 6.1 overs before a floodlight malfunction halted play for 20 minutes. Fans lit up the stadium with phone flashlights, creating a surreal atmosphere 14.

Post-resumption, Rohit unleashed his signature flair, smashing seven sixes and 12 fours for 76-ball. His century, marked by a six off Adil Rashid, was his first in ODIs since 2023.

Gill (60 off 52) provided solid support, but his dismissal to Jamie Overton’s yorker briefly slowed India’s momentum 10. Virat Kohli, returning from injury, fell cheaply to Rashid (5 off 8), while Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel steadied the ship before a mix-up led to Iyer’s run-out.

Nail Biting Finish

With Hardik Pandya (10) and KL Rahul (10) falling late, Ravindra Jadeja (15*) and Axar Patel (23*) held their nerve. Jadeja sealed the win with a boundary off Joe Root in the 45th over, sparking celebrations among the 45,000-strong crowd.

Key Moments

  1. Rohit’s Redemption: After a duck in the first ODI, Rohit’s 119 included audacious reverse sweeps and towering sixes, earning him Player of the Match.
  2. Jadeja’s All-Round Brilliance: His 3/35 and unbeaten 15 highlighted his value as a match-winner.
  3. England’s Fielding Lapses: Dropped catches and missed run-outs cost them dearly, notably Salt’s spill of Axar Patel.
  4. Floodlight Drama: The interruption tested India’s focus, but Rohit’s aggression post-resumption set the tone.

What’s Next?

India’s victory underscores their dominance at home, while England must address their middle-order fragility ahead of the third ODI. With the series decided, both teams may experiment with line-ups, but India’s eyes are now firmly set on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy (India won 2nd ODI).

Also Read:

For Hindi Updates: Click Here

Leave a Comment