Cuttack, February 9, 2024: India continued their 40-year-long dominance over England in home ODI series with a thrilling four-wicket victory at the Barabati Stadium, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The home side chased down Englandโs 305-run target, thanks to a spectacular century from skipper Rohit Sharma and vital contributions from Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel.
India Clinches ODI Series, Extends Home Dominance Over England
With this victory, India maintained their formidable home record against England, a streak that dates back to 1985 when they last lost an ODI series on home soil to the visitors. Since then, England has failed to secure a series win in India, and Rohit Sharmaโs masterclass ensured the trend continued.
Rohit Sharma Leads the Chase with a Stunning Century
Chasing a challenging 305-run target, India got off to a flying start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on a match-winning 136-run partnership. Rohit, playing a captainโs knock, scored a magnificent 32nd ODI century, anchoring Indiaโs chase with precision. His innings provided the perfect foundation for the middle order to capitalize on.
Key Contributions in the Chase:
- Rohit Sharma โ 119 runs (90 balls, 12 fours, 7 sixes)
- Shubman Gill โ 60 runs (52 balls, 9 fours, 1 six)
- Shreyas Iyer โ 44 runs (47 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Axar Patel โ 41* runs (43 balls, 4 fours)
- Ravindra Jadeja โ 11* runs (7 balls, 2 fours)
Despite brief hiccups with the dismissals of Shreyas Iyer (44), Hardik Pandya (10), and KL Rahul (10), India successfully chased the target in 44.3 overs with four wickets in hand.
Englandโs Competitive Total Led by Root and Duckett
Earlier in the day, England posted a competitive 304 in 49.5 overs, with Joe Root and Ben Duckett leading the charge. Root played a well-crafted innings, while Duckett and Liam Livingstone added valuable runs to push England past the 300-run mark.
Top Performers for England:
- Joe Root โ 69 runs (72 balls, 6 fours)
- Ben Duckett โ 65 runs (56 balls, 10 fours)
- Liam Livingstone โ 41 runs (32 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes)
Despite their solid batting performance, Englandโs bowlers struggled to break Indiaโs top-order partnership, which ultimately cost them the match.
Axar Patelโs Finishing Heroics
Promoted to No.5 once again, Axar Patel showcased his composure, playing a crucial unbeaten knock of 41 off 43 balls. His presence at the crease ensured India reached the target comfortably, supported by Ravindra Jadejaโs steady finishing touches.
Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma
For his brilliant match-winning century and leadership, Rohit Sharma was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
India Eyes a Clean Sweep in Ahmedabad
With the series already in the bag, India will now aim for a clean sweep when they take on England in the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 12. England, on the other hand, will look to salvage some pride and end the series on a high note.
Match Summary:
England: 304 all out (49.5 overs)
India: 308/6 (44.3 overs)
Result: India won by 4 wickets
