India showcased dominance in the ODI series against England, capping off the final match with a commanding 142-run victory in Ahmedabad. With this win, India completed a clean sweep of the series 3-0, riding on the back of Shubman Gill’s brilliant century and an all-round bowling performance.
Gill’s Sparkling Knock
Shubman Gill continued his impressive form, smashing a spectacular 112 off 102 balls to steer India to a formidable total of 356. This marked his seventh ODI century, capping off a phenomenal series in which he amassed 259 runs in three matches.
Gill shared a 116-run second-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli, who scored a measured 52, and later combined with Shreyas Iyer (78 off 64) for a crucial 104-run stand. Reflecting on his performance, Gill said,
“I think this was one of the better knocks in ODIs for me. The pitch was tricky at the start, so it’s satisfying.”
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma, however, had a rare failure, falling for just one run after his century in the previous match.
England’s Struggles with the Ball and Bat
England’s bowlers, apart from Adil Rashid, struggled to contain India’s batsmen. Rashid was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4-64, including key dismissals of Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya.
In response, England’s openers made a brisk start, putting up 60 runs in just 38 balls, with Ben Duckett (34) and Phil Salt (23) attacking the Indian bowlers. However, left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh turned the tide, dismissing both openers in successive overs.
The middle-order resistance from Tom Banton (38) and Joe Root (24) couldn’t withstand the pressure as Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav (1-31) and Axar Patel (2-22) triggered a collapse. England were bowled out for 214 in just 34.2 overs.
Key Performances
- Shubman Gill: 112 off 102 balls (Player of the Match and Series)
- Shreyas Iyer: 78 off 64 balls
- Virat Kohli: 52 off 60 balls
- Adil Rashid: 4-64
For India, the bowlers shared the spoils, with Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Harshal Rana all claiming two wickets each.
What’s Next?
India’s emphatic white-ball series wins, including a 4-1 triumph in the T20I series, set the tone for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy starting February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
Speaking about the series, India captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the team’s focus on consistency and preparation:
“There are certain things we are looking at to improve, but the communication within the squad is clear.”
Brief Scores
- India: 356 all out in 50 overs (Shubman Gill 112, Shreyas Iyer 78, Virat Kohli 52; Adil Rashid 4-64)
- England: 214 all out in 34.2 overs (Ben Duckett 34, Tom Banton 38; Arshdeep Singh 2-33, Axar Patel 2-22)
Result: India won by 142 runs
