India won the ODI series against England with one match remaining, following an incredible performance in Cuttack. England were chased down by India as they needed 305, and skipper Rohit Sharma plundered a stunning 119 from 90 balls, taking India to a comprehensive win.
England's woes in this tour continued as their bowling unit was not able to hold a respectable score. Rohit, along with Shubman Gill (60 from 52 balls), built a commanding 136-run opening partnership, which destroyed England's fast-bowling. India reached the target easily with 33 balls to spare even after losing two wickets towards the end.
For Rohit, this century—his 32nd in ODIs and the first in nearly a year—was a much-needed return to the form. Rohit's 119 off 90 had contained classy strokes, with three crushing sixes in early overs. Although his dismissal to Liam Livingstone arrived in the 30th over, the match was already sealed.
England's Batting Issues ContinueEngland's batting was promising but once again collapsed at the key moments. Openers Ben Duckett (65) and Phil Salt provided them with a promising start with an 81-run partnership, but none of the batsmen were able to turn their start into a century. Joe Root was the highest scorer with 69, but England's inability to convert good starts into a century cost them heavily.
India's bowlers, spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja (3-35), kept England on their toes throughout, not letting the visitors take complete control. The visitors were bowled out with a delivery still in hand in their innings, illustrating the visitors' continued failure to finish well.
Rohit's Dominant Knock Under the LightsBatting in the lights suited Rohit, and he made the most of the conditions. He punished short balls and drove sweetly on anything full. His return to form was complete as he got his century in a dominating 76 balls to the home crowd's delight.
England's fast bowlers—Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, and Mark Wood—could not contain the Indian batsmen, with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse rested. Overton took two wickets, but England could not muster the penetration required to cut India's run chase.
What's Next?India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with this win, extending their home dominance. England, however, has a mammoth task in getting into form before their Champions Trophy opener against Australia on 22 February.
Adding to their woes, all-rounder Jacob Bethell's hamstring injury has raised doubts over his availability for the Champions Trophy. England's management will evaluate his fitness in the coming days.
The final match of the series is to be played on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, where England will be hoping to salvage some pride before shifting their focus to the Champions Trophy.
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