Amidst mounting questions on his type and hypothesis surrounding his retirement, captain Rohit Sharma responded in model, delivering a basic thirty second century to steer India to a commanding four-wicket win over England within the second ODI on Sunday.
New Delhi: Amidst mounting questions on his type and hypothesis surrounding his retirement, captain Rohit Sharma responded in model, delivering a basic thirty second century to steer India to a commanding four-wicket win over England within the second ODI on Sunday. After opting to bat, England posted a complete of 304 in 49.5 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja (3/35) as soon as once more being a thorn of their facet.
Rohit, 37, showcased his World Cup 2023 type, taking part in a masterful 90-ball knock of 119. His flawless timing and easy stroke play included seven sixes and 12 boundaries, setting India on track for victory. The chase was accomplished in 44.3 overs, giving India an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the ultimate ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Shubman Gill additionally contributed with a easy 60 off 52 balls (9 fours, 1 six), however his knock appeared to take a backseat to Rohit’s brilliance throughout their spectacular opening partnership of 136 runs – their sixth century-plus stand collectively. After lacking the Nagpur ODI attributable to a swollen knee, Virat Kohli (5) was dismissed cheaply, caught behind off an Adil Rashid leg-spinner. Rashid has now dismissed Kohli 4 instances in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma then added 70 runs with Shreyas Iyer (44) earlier than he was dismissed off a full toss, with Rashid making an outstanding catch operating backward. Iyer was quickly run out, whereas KL Rahul (10) and Hardik Pandya (10) adopted go well with with fast dismissals. Nonetheless, the required run price was by no means a problem, and Axar Patel (41 not out) held his floor whereas partnering with Ravindra Jadeja (11 not out) to finish the chase with 33 balls to spare.
Rohit’s innings additionally noticed him surpass Rahul Dravid’s complete of 10,889 runs, transferring into the top-10 checklist of ODI run-scorers. He now wants 13 extra runs to achieve 11,000 ODI runs. His shot choice was flawless, with exact pulls, fashionable cuts, and no mishits. One spotlight was a reverse sweep off Rashid, showcasing his dominance.
Rohit signalled his intent early, charging Gus Atkinson for a boundary, and effortlessly flicking a six over mid-wicket. In opposition to Saqib Mahmood, he dispatched a surprising cowl drive for six, trying again to his greatest. Regardless of a 35-minute floodlight failure when he was on 29, his rhythm remained intact. After the break, he resumed with aptitude, gliding Mahmood for an additional boundary and taking over Mark Wooden’s tempo. A fortunate second got here on 36 when an LBW name was overturned, and Rohit responded instantly with a six. He introduced up his fifty in simply 30 balls, and a century in 76 balls, smacking Rashid over long-off, his first ton in 14 innings and second-fastest.
Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja was excellent with the ball, taking 3/35 and persevering with his dominance over English batters. His wickets of Ben Duckett (65) and Joe Root (69) saved England from constructing on their robust begin. Regardless of strong contributions from Duckett, Root, and captain Jos Buttler (34), England’s complete of 304 fell brief, particularly after Jadeja’s key breakthroughs. At 200/3 in 35 overs, England appeared set for a bigger complete, however Jadeja’s management and the lack of momentum prevented them from crossing 320.
Liam Livingstone’s fast 41 off 32 balls and Adil Rashid’s cameo (14 off 5 balls) added some fireworks, however three run-outs within the remaining overs noticed them bowled out for 304, the bottom complete at Barabati since 2011. Jadeja’s tactical bowling was key, as he trapped Duckett with a large supply that went straight to mid-on, then eliminated Root with a cleverly tossed ball that Kohli caught at deep additional cowl. Jadeja completed his spell by dismissing Jamie Overton, caught by Shubman Gill at cowl.
Shubman Gill was distinctive within the area, taking three essential catches, whereas India had some misjudgments, together with losing two opinions in opposition to Root off Varun Chakravarthy, who debuted with figures of 1/54. Harshit Rana (1/62 in 9 overs) was costly, with Duckett capitalizing on his tempo to search out gaps.
