Rohit Sharma’s Heroics Lead India to Series-Sealing Win Over England in Cuttack

Cuttack: Rohit Sharma delivered a captain’s knock, smashing a brilliant 119 off 90 balls, as India defeated England by four wickets in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium to clinch the three-match series. Chasing 305, India comfortably reached 308/6 in 44.3 overs, securing the victory with ease.

After winning the toss, England opted to bat first and got off to a strong start with Ben Duckett (69) and Phil Salt (42) adding an 81-run opening partnership. However, India’s debutant Varun Chakaravarthy provided the breakthrough, dismissing Salt. While Duckett continued in good rhythm, wickets at regular intervals prevented England from capitalizing. Jos Buttler (34) and Harry Brook (38) contributed in the middle, while Liam Livingstone (41 off 32) and Adil Rashid (14 off 5) added crucial late runs to push the total beyond 300.

Ravindra Jadeja was India’s most effective bowler, taking 3/35, while Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, and Chakaravarthy chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply, India’s chase was anchored by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who put on a 136-run opening stand. Gill scored a fluent 60 before falling to a mistimed shot, but Rohit carried on, reaching his 32nd ODI century off just 75 balls. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Axar Patel (26) and Ravindra Jadeja (18)** guided India home with 5.3 overs to spare.

For England, Jamie Overton (2/54), Gus Atkinson, Rashid, and Livingstone managed to pick up wickets, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent India from sealing the series 2-0.