Hitman Rohit Sharma Strikes Again: Powers India to Victory
A masterclass in ODI batting from Hitman Rohit Sharam, the Indian captain, and shut down his critics with another dream century, his 32nd in ODIs, versus England in the second ODI in Cuttack, on Sunday (February 9). This knock was a statement of his class, composure, and match-winning ability in chasing as he put together a perfect inning with perfect timing and stroke play.
Indian Cricketer Rohit Sharma Scores A Sublime Century To Seal A Series Victory
Determined to be back to his best, Rohit led from the front in the second T20 International of the three-day series with a four-wicket win, effectively ensuring a decisive 2-0 lead for India. He brought up his hundred in just 76 balls, displaying a perfect blend of aggression and patience as he carved the English bowlers all over the park. Rohit reached his milestone emphatically, dancing down the track and lofting Adil Rashid over long-off for six, thus making a significant mark and confirming his true worth in the Indian lineup. With 99 balls still to go, his superb innings of 119 off 90 shots came ably garnished with nine fours and Rohit Sharam total sixes are seven to lay the base for the successful chase by the hosts.
An Aggressive Approach From Rohit Sets Up A Thrilling Chase Against England
England batted first, a sensible decision, where from 305 in 50 overs, it got quick and useful contributions from almost every member of the middle order. Joe Root was again quick in his 69, while Ben Duckett hit 65. Liam Livingstone played 41, Jos Buttler with 34, and Harry Brook with 31. Even with regular fall of wickets, England managed to cross over the 300-run mark, making it a good total to defend for their bowlers. However, Indian batsmen snapped up the advantage through their daring start.
Rohit Sharma did not flinch. He drove India’s aggression against the English bowlers right from the beginning. Off the 30 balls he faced, he cruised to his 50. He formed a disastrous 136 opening stand with Shubman Gill, thus giving India absolute domination. Gill played some good cricket, like 60 off 52 balls, before getting bowled, but Rohit did not cease and continued his scoring spree, though with some strength, to make sure India seldom fell below the asking run rate.
A Century By Rohit And Key Contributions Seal The Win.
Rohit reached his century in only 76 balls. It was a combination of powerful batting and calculated stroke-play. The ball with which he scored his hundred came most spectacularly, smashing Rashid to close the face and get the leg-spinner bowled at long-off for a fan-pleasing six. His domination over the English attack continued until the 30th over when Livingstone finally got him out for a bit of a jaw-dropping 119 out of 90 balls. At the time of his dismissal, India needed just 85 runs off 122 deliveries, and the middle order did not subside in their endeavor to cherish a few noises. Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41 not out) played significant, supportive roles in ensuring India flew to victory with 44.3 overs.
Upcoming Final India Vs England 3rd ODI Match
India versus England’s third ODI will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 12. India has already won the series so we could use this game, the last before the Champions Trophy, to gratify the remaining benched players in the squad.
Final Words
With the victory, India secured the series 2-0, which confirms their prowess in ODIs and better demonstrates their batting depth. Not just a match winner, Rohit Sharma’s 100 out today message proved his relevancy in the cricketing world to any near future endeavor as he showed his mettle as a captain of India.
