Skipper Rohit Sharma bounced back to form with a stunning 119, overcoming a floodlight failure to lead India to a series-clinching four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI on Sunday.
Chasing 305 for victory, Rohit’s explosive 90-ball knock, featuring 12 fours and seven sixes, set the tone as India cruised to victory with 33 balls to spare. The hosts now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, a crucial buildup to the Champions Trophy, starting February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
Rohit reached his 32nd ODI century in just 76 balls, smashing a six off Adil Rashid. He shared a 136-run opening stand with Shubman Gill, who contributed a brisk 60.
The Indian captain, who had struggled with form in recent months, made a strong comeback after scoring just two runs in the opening match. Despite a 20-minute delay due to a floodlight failure, Rohit remained unfazed, reaching his half-century and ending a prolonged lean patch following India’s Test series defeat in Australia. Before this ODI series, he had averaged only 10.37 across 16 innings in the 2024-25 season.
Rohit entertained the crowd with his trademark pull shots and aggressive strokeplay before falling to Liam Livingstone’s leg-spin, walking off to a standing ovation.
Vice-captain Gill followed up his 87 in the first match with another solid 60 off 45 balls. However, Jamie Overton removed him, and Virat Kohli, returning from a knee injury, fell for just five to Rashid, leaving India in a brief stutter.
Shreyas Iyer’s 44 and an unbeaten 41 from Axar Patel steadied the innings, guiding India home comfortably.
Earlier, England posted 304 in 49.5 overs, thanks to solid contributions from Ben Duckett (65) and Joe Root (69). Spinner Ravindra Jadeja led India’s bowling effort with figures of 3-35.
Duckett set the pace with an aggressive start, adding 81 runs with Phil Salt (26). He reached his fifty in just 36 balls before debutant spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed Salt as his first ODI wicket.
Duckett was later dismissed by Jadeja, dropping to his knees in disappointment. Root, playing only his second ODI since the 2023 World Cup, built a crucial 66-run stand with Harry Brook (31) before fast bowler Harshit Rana dismissed Brook, with Gill taking a spectacular running catch.
Root anchored England’s innings further, adding 51 runs with skipper Jos Buttler, but quick wickets derailed their progress. Liam Livingstone’s late 41 pushed the total past 300, but it wasn’t enough to stop India’s charge.
— AFP
