Rohit Sharma’s Stellar Century Guides India to Series-Clinching Win Against England in Cuttack
Rohit Sharma (119 off 90 balls) delivered a scintillating century—his 32nd in ODIs—to lead India to a commanding four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI in Cuttack. Chasing a challenging target of 305, India rode on Rohit’s explosive knock and his 136-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill (60 off 52). Contributions from Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41*) ensured the hosts sealed the series with one game to spare, despite a few late hiccups in the chase, reports Live Cricket Score.
England’s total of 304 looked competitive at the midway point, especially on a slow black-soil pitch where the odd delivery gripped or held its length. Spinners and slower balls posed challenges for batters during the afternoon. However, as often happens under lights on such surfaces, batting became easier, something Rohit exploited masterfully.
The Indian captain got off to a fiery start, smashing two sixes early—one over deep square leg and another over deep cover—signalling his intent for the night. His aggression gave Gill the cushion to settle in, although the young vice-captain also unleashed some delightful strokes. The openers powered India to 77 runs in the first 10 overs without losing a wicket, setting the foundation for a smooth chase.
Even when England spread the field, Rohit continued to dominate. His clean striking not only piled pressure on the opposition but also allowed him to surpass Chris Gayle and claim the second spot on the all-time ODI six-hitters list. Adil Rashid, who found some turn, couldn’t trouble India’s in-form openers, who confidently handled him.
Jamie Overton eventually broke the opening stand with a searing yorker, beating Gill’s bat just after the batter had dispatched him for a powerful pull over mid-wicket. This brought Virat Kohli to the crease, but the Indian stalwart couldn’t get going. Kohli’s brief innings ended when Rashid outfoxed him, leading to a successful England review for caught behind.
England sensed a glimmer of hope at that stage, but India’s position in the chase allowed Rohit to adjust his approach. Partnering with Shreyas Iyer, Rohit added 70 runs off 61 balls, keeping the required rate in check. However, Rohit fell to a full toss from Liam Livingstone in an uncharacteristic lapse, miscuing a lofted shot to mid-wicket.
Iyer and Axar Patel kept India on course, though their partnership ended in an unnecessary run-out due to poor communication. KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya followed quickly, but Axar and Ravindra Jadeja finished the game with 33 deliveries to spare, making light work of England’s total.
England’s Innings: Root and Duckett Anchor, Jadeja Stars with the Ball
England showcased an improved batting performance earlier in the day compared to the series opener. Joe Root (69) and Ben Duckett (65) led the charge with contrasting half-centuries, while Liam Livingstone’s late cameo (41) added crucial runs.
England got off to another quick start in the first 10 overs but slowed down significantly against India’s spinners. Making his ODI debut, Varun Chakaravarthy broke the opening stand by dismissing Phil Salt, who once again failed to capitalize on a good start. Chakaravarthy, alongside Jadeja, applied the brakes in the middle overs.
Jadeja was impressive, mixing his lengths and pace while extracting turn and grip from the surface. He dismissed Duckett in a key matchup and tied down the middle-order right-handers. Harry Brook struggled for rhythm but built a 66-run stand with Root, who anchored England’s innings with composure.
Root’s dismissal in the 42nd over, courtesy of Jadeja, came at a crucial juncture. The left-arm spinner removed Overton with the final ball of his spell, capitalizing on a reckless shot from the all-rounder. These blows dented England’s hopes of crossing 320, though Livingstone’s fireworks and Adil Rashid’s late boundaries against Mohammed Shami gave them a respectable total.
Despite England’s spirited batting effort, their inability to adjust to India’s spinners in the middle overs cost them. Buttler’s decision to bat first was scrutinised, as the afternoon conditions favoured spinners more than the evening dew-dampened pitch.
What’s Next
The final ODI will be played in Ahmedabad on February 12. Although the series result is already decided, both teams will look to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Brief Scores:
England: 304 in 49.5 overs (Joe Root 69, Ben Duckett 65; Ravindra Jadeja 3-35)
India: 308/6 in 44.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 119, Shubman Gill 60; Jamie Overton 2-27)
India won by four wickets.
