In a wide ranging show of stroke-making, Rohit Sharma produced an impressive century – his thirty second in ODIs – to place India in a dominant place within the second ODI towards England on the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Chasing a challenging target of 305, the Indian captain was at his very best, combining magnificence with brutal effectivity to dismantle England’s bowling assault.
A thirty second century in fashion – Rohit Sharma’s explosive milestone
With India already cruising in the direction of victory, Rohit determined to convey up his century in essentially the most emphatic style potential. Going through Adil Rashid within the twenty sixth over, he confidently stepped down the observe and, with a easy extension of his arms, lofted the ball excessive over the long-off boundary. The white Kookaburra soared by the evening sky earlier than disappearing into the stands—a signature Rohit shot, mixing grace with sheer energy. Because the ball cleared the ropes, the Barabati Stadium erupted in a deafening roar, acknowledging yet one more masterclass from their captain. It was a second of pure authority, reflecting Rohit’s unmatched potential to dominate spinners, even on surfaces providing a touch of grip.
This milestone wasn’t simply in regards to the runs; it was in regards to the assertion it made. Rohit had reached the landmark in simply 76 balls, showcasing a really perfect mixture of persistence and aggression. His strategy was fearless but managed, embodying the essence of a modern-day run-chase maestro. The Indian dressing room stood in admiration as their captain raised his bat, soaking within the applause from the electrified crowd.
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Rohit’s century units the tone for India’s chase
Proper from the outset, Rohit stamped his authority on the sport, setting the right tempo for India’s pursuit of 305. His intent was evident from the very first over, as he drove the quick bowlers crisply by the covers and flicked them effortlessly off his pads. The powerplay part noticed Rohit and his opening accomplice, Shubman Gill, making full use of the fielding restrictions, capitalizing on something remotely free. Rohit raced to his half-century in simply 30 balls, dismantling England’s pacers with impeccable timing and placement. The short-pitched deliveries had been dispatched with disdain, whereas the fuller ones had been elegantly pushed by gaps within the infield.
The partnership with Gill flourished, taking India previous 100 runs in simply 13.3 overs, guaranteeing that England by no means bought the early breakthroughs they desperately wanted. Even after Gill’s dismissal to Jamie Overton, Rohit ensured that the momentum by no means dipped, anchoring the innings with supreme confidence. He performed Rashid’s leg-spin with precision, both chopping late or stepping out to loft the ball over the infield. His footwork towards spin was impeccable, forcing Rashid to rethink his lengths continually.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗗!
A marvellous century from Captain Rohit Sharma in Cuttack 🫡
He will get to his thirty second ODI TON 🔥🔥
Observe The Match ▶️ https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/WcB3O4zJS5
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025
Nicely Performed Rohit 👏 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/suGyHb8HjW
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) February 9, 2025
If Rohit Sharma can bat like this on the Champions Trophy, India turn out to be a special beast to play towards. He has seemed in command on this innings.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 9, 2025
#RoarMacha diya, Rohit 🤌🔥 pic.twitter.com/dUq0X0FNEs
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) February 9, 2025
By no means doubted Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket. That is his finest format. We’re coming for the Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/rmQZEabW3T
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 9, 2025
Outstanding innings from Rohit. The most effective gamers the ODI Cricket has ever seen.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) February 9, 2025
When Rohit Sharma scores a century, he simply waits for the following ball.
Would not care when he’s out on zero, does not care when he scores 100.— Shajan Samuel (@IamShajanSamuel) February 9, 2025
Now that’s the way you get again in kind. Sensible century from Rohit sharma 💯 pic.twitter.com/aRu88rPZ81
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 9, 2025
A wonderful century from Captain Rohit Sharma in Cuttack 🔥🔥
– He will get to his thirty second ODI TON ⚡#Cricket #INDvENG #RohitSharma𓃵 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/llg1k8gXSa
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 9, 2025
THE NIGHTMARE FOR OPPOSITION…!!!!
– Rohit Sharma in ODIs 👊 pic.twitter.com/hu1QWsO3Xs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 9, 2025
England’s bowling struggles towards India’s aggression
England’s bowling unit had no solutions to India’s relentless aggression, as their pacers struggled to make early inroads. Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wooden tried to generate tempo and extract motion, however Rohit and Gill countered them with ease. The quick bowlers usually erred in size, and Rohit took full benefit, punishing something too brief or too full. Regardless of deploying attacking fields, England failed to use constant stress, permitting India’s batters to dictate phrases from the very starting.
Overton managed to interrupt the opening stand by dismissing Gill, whereas Rashid supplied a quick respite by eradicating Virat Kohli, however these breakthroughs weren’t sufficient to tilt the sport in England’s favor. Rohit remained unshaken, persevering with to focus on Rashid along with his footwork and deft placement. Livingstone, introduced in as a second spin possibility, was handled with equal disdain, as Rohit and Shreyas Iyer milked him for runs with ease. England’s discipline placements grew to become more and more defensive, highlighting their struggles to include India’s batting juggernaut.
By the point the scoreboard learn 186/2 in simply 25.2 overs, India had firmly cemented their grip on the match. With solely 119 runs required from 24.4 overs at a manageable required price of 4.82, the hosts had nearly sealed the competition.
With loads of batting depth nonetheless within the pavilion, together with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, India had the posh of ending the sport at their very own tempo. The English bowlers, visibly drained and missing concepts, had been merely hoping for a lapse in focus from the Indian captain. However Rohit confirmed no indicators of slowing down, methodically steering India nearer to victory. The group, sensing an inevitable triumph, remained on their ft, cheering each run as India inched in the direction of the end line.