• India defeated England by four-wickets in the second ODI of the three match series.

  • Rohit Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant batting performance.

Twitter reactions: Rohit Sharma’s magnificent century powers India to a series clinching win over England in the 2nd ODI
Rohit Sharma (Image Source: X)

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Indian captain Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass in ODI batting, silencing his critics with a sublime century, his 32nd in ODIs, against England in the second ODI in Cuttack on Sunday (February 9). His innings was a testament to his class, composure, and ability to anchor a chase, as he played a magnificent knock filled with exquisite timing and elegant strokeplay.

Rohit Sharma’s sublime century in India’s series-sealing victory

Leading from the front, Rohit roared back into form and guided India to a comprehensive four-wicket victory, helping the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. His century, which came off just 76 balls, was a fine blend of patience and aggression, as he dispatched the English bowlers to all parts of the ground. He reached the milestone in emphatic style, stepping down the track and launching Adil Rashid over long-off for a massive six, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most dependable batters. His brilliant knock of 119 off 90 deliveries was studded with seven sixes and nine fours, setting the foundation for India’s successful chase.

Rohit’s aggressive approach sets up the chase against England

Opting to bat first, England posted a challenging 304/10 in 49.5 overs, courtesy of crucial contributions from their middle order. Joe Root (69) and Ben Duckett (65) led the charge, while Liam Livingstone (41), Jos Buttler (34) and Harry Brook (31) chipped in with handy cameos. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, England managed to cross the 300-run mark, giving their bowlers a solid total to defend. However, India’s aggressive start completely shifted the momentum in the chase.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Rohit Sharma lights up Barabati Stadium with a dazzling 32nd century against England in the second ODI

In response, Rohit wasted no time in putting India ahead, launching a brutal assault on the English bowlers from the outset. He raced to his half-century off just 30 balls, stitching together a dominant 136-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, which put India firmly in the driver’s seat. Gill played a fluent knock of 60 off 52 balls before being dismissed, but Rohit carried on his carnage, maintaining a strong scoring rate and ensuring that India remained ahead of the required run rate.

Rohit’s century and key contributions seal the victory

Rohit’s century came in just 76 balls, a knock that perfectly combined powerful hitting with calculated strokeplay. He reached the milestone in spectacular fashion by taking on leg-spinner Rashid, stepping out and launching him over long-off for a six. His dominance over the English attack continued until the 30th over, when Livingstone finally managed to dismiss him for a stunning 119 off 90 balls. At the time of his dismissal, India needed just 85 runs off 122 deliveries, and the middle order ensured there were no hiccups in the chase. Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41) not out played crucial supporting roles, guiding India to victory in 44.3 overs.

With this win, India sealed the series 2-0, reaffirming their strength in ODIs and showcasing their batting depth. Rohit’s century not only secured the victory but also sent a strong message ahead of upcoming challenges, proving that the Indian skipper remains a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

https://twiter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1888622801030115420

Also READ: Top 5 oldest debutants for India in the ODIs ft. Varun Chakravarthy

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