India sealed the three-match ODI series against England with a four-wicket victory in the second match at Barabati Stadium on Sunday, powered by skipper Rohit Sharma’s commanding century.
Rohit led the chase with a scintillating 119 off 90 balls, striking 12 fours and seven sixes, as India successfully overhauled England’s target of 305.
The hosts reached 308-6 in 44.3 overs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The win extended India’s dominance over England in ODIs, marking their seventh consecutive bilateral series triumph against the visitors.
During his match-winning knock, Rohit surpassed Rahul Dravid’s record of 48 international centuries, moving to 49 across formats.
He also shared a crucial 136-run stand with opening partner Shubman Gill, who contributed 60 off 52 balls with nine boundaries and a six. It was the duo’s sixth 100-plus partnership in ODIs.
England, after being asked to bat first, put up a competitive 304 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs.
Veteran batter Joe Root top-scored with 69 off 72 deliveries, while opener Ben Duckett struck a fluent 65 off 56 balls, laced with 10 fours. Liam Livingstone added 41 runs to propel England past the 300-run mark.
India’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, applied the brakes on England’s innings. Jadeja finished with figures of 3-35, proving to be the most effective among the Indian bowlers.
In the chase, India lost Virat Kohli early, but Rohit and Gill steadied the innings before Shreyas Iyer chipped in with a crucial 44. England’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Jamie Overton (2-27) emerging as their most successful bowler.
Brief Scores:
England: 304 all out in 49.5 overs (Ben Duckett 65, Joe Root 69, Liam Livingstone 41; Ravindra Jadeja 3-35).
India: 308-6 in 44.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 119, Shubman Gill 60, Shreyas Iyer 44; Jamie Overton 2-27).
India will now look to complete a clean sweep when the two teams meet for the final ODI.
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