India wrapped up their ODI series against England in emphatic fashion, clinching a commanding 142-run victory in the final match at Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill headlined India’s batting display with a brilliant century in his 50th ODI, while crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul propelled the hosts to a formidable total. England, despite a promising start in the chase, crumbled midway as India’s bowling attack dismantled their batting lineup.

England’s Chase Falters After Aggressive Start

Chasing a daunting target of 357, England began in explosive fashion. Ben Duckett took the attack to India’s bowlers, smashing four boundaries against debutant Harshit Rana before dismantling Arshdeep Singh with four consecutive fours. The visitors raced to 60/0 in just six overs, setting up an aggressive foundation for the chase.

However, India struck back swiftly. Duckett miscued a knuckleball from Arshdeep and perished for 34. Tom Banton, promoted to No.3, announced his intent with a switch-hit six off Washington Sundar, but England suffered a double blow when Phil Salt fell to another slower delivery from Arshdeep. Despite an impressive 84-run powerplay, the loss of two wickets dented their momentum.

Joe Root and Banton attempted to stabilize the innings, with Banton deploying another switch-hit six, this time off Axar Patel. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s deceptive googly outfoxed Banton, and Root was soon cleaned up by Axar, putting England on the back foot.

Jos Buttler’s dismissal—chopping a delivery onto his stumps off Rana—signaled the beginning of the end for England. Harry Brook suffered the same fate in the very next over. Washington Sundar then removed Liam Livingstone via a sharp stumping, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with two lower-order wickets. A few late blows from Gus Atkinson helped England cross 200, but they ultimately folded for 214 in 34.2 overs.

India’s Batting Power Takes Center Stage

Earlier in the day, India flexed their batting prowess after being put in to bat. Rohit Sharma departed early, but Gill continued his fine form, anchoring the innings. Virat Kohli, under scrutiny for his recent performances, found his rhythm, and together with Gill, ensured India maintained a healthy scoring rate.

India reached 52/1 at the end of the first powerplay, with Kohli and Gill showing aggression as the field spread. Kohli took a special liking to Root’s part-time spin, smashing him for multiple boundaries, while Gill punished Atkinson with a four and a six.

Both batters reached their half-centuries before Kohli fell against the run of play to Adil Rashid. However, England couldn’t stem the run flow as Shreyas Iyer came in with attacking intent. He raced to 40 off just 30 balls, complementing Gill, who continued to dominate. The young opener registered his seventh ODI century at a venue he relishes playing at, before Rashid dismissed him just as he was looking to accelerate.

Rashid had a strong outing, also removing a well-set Shreyas Iyer for 78 and later dismissing Hardik Pandya. With a strong platform set, India eyed 375, but quick wickets—including Axar Patel’s departure—forced them to recalibrate.

KL Rahul, promoted to No.5, provided a late boost with a crucial 40 off 29 balls before being trapped lbw by an exceptional yorker from Saqib Mahmood. England managed to restrict India to 22 runs in the last three overs, but the target of 357 proved far beyond their reach.

Brief Scores:

India: 356 in 50 overs (Shubman Gill 112, Shreyas Iyer 78; Adil Rashid 4/64, Mark Wood 2/45)
England: 214 in 34.2 overs (Gus Atkinson 38; Axar Patel 2/22, Harshit Rana 2/31)
Result: India won by 142 runs