Cuttack: The unusual pause in the second innings of the 2nd ODI between India and England at Barabati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack city on Sunday with the hosts chasing 305 due to floodlight malfunctioning frustrated both teams.
India got off to a fiery start with skipper Rohit Sharma, who had been struggling with form in recent months, finally finding his rhythm in this match, hitting three sumptuous sixes off England pacers which brought the crowd to the edge of their seats. The captain and Shubman Gill had raced to 47 for no loss in six overs when a floodlight malfunction stopped the play.
When the play resumed after 35 minutes, Rohit lost his cool at the DJ for not pausing the music as he was focused on regaining concentration after the break.
“Band kar b******d,” cameras caught him angrily shouting at the DJ.
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The skipper went on to score 119 off 90 balls and the half-hour halt in play early in the Indian innings was forgotten as the Men in Blue chased down the 300-plus target with ease and style. It was a very special knock for Rohit as he scored an international hundred after nine months and an ODI ton after 16 months. His 32nd ODI ton put Rohit in third place in century-scorers’ list, behind fellow-Indians Virat Kohli (50) and Sachin Tendulkar (49).
Shubman Gill, back as Rohit’s opening partner, followed up his classy 87 in the first ODI with an elegant 60 as he and his captain put on their sixth century partnership at the top.
Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41*) also got among the runs again, with only Virat Kohli (5) missing out.
England had earlier been bowled out for 304 after threatening to reach somewhere around 350 when they were 219/3 with 12 overs left.
Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler, bagging 3/35 in 10 overs.
India have now won 14 of their 18 ODIs at Barabati, including 4 out of 6 against England.
