 |
|
The highly anticipated second One Day International (ODI) match between India and England is set to unfold on February 9th at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. This match holds significant importance, as it presents India with the opportunity to secure a decisive victory in the three-match series. The Barabati Stadium, after a five-year hiatus, will once again host an ODI, creating a buzz among cricket enthusiasts. The atmosphere is expected to be electrifying as both teams are vying for a win, aiming to gain momentum before the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The first ODI in Nagpur concluded with a thrilling four-wicket win for India, establishing a 1-0 lead in the series. England, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, displayed explosive batting from their openers, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, who together amassed a rapid 75-run partnership. However, a mid-innings slump saw England's score slip to 111/4, with the loss of key batsman Joe Root. The innings was stabilized by captain Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell’s crucial partnership of 59 runs. A late flourish from Jofra Archer propelled England to a total of 248 runs in 47.4 overs.
India's bowling attack was led by Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana, who both claimed three wickets each. Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav also contributed vital wickets. In response, India’s chase was anchored by Shubman Gill's elegant 87 runs and Shreyas Iyer's explosive 59 runs. Axar Patel played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial 52 runs and guiding India to victory with four wickets remaining. Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid were England’s most successful bowlers, each securing two wickets, but their efforts proved insufficient to prevent India’s win.
Captain Rohit Sharma's struggle to score runs continued in the first ODI, being dismissed early. He will be aiming for a significant improvement in his performance in the Cuttack match. Virat Kohli, who missed the first ODI due to an injury, is expected to return to the Indian squad, adding another dimension to the team's batting lineup. The absence of Kohli and the early dismissal of Rohit in the first match highlighted the need for the Indian batting order to maintain consistency and provide strong support to the more established players. The return of Kohli will undoubtedly bolster India's chances and add more intrigue to the second ODI.
The match is scheduled to commence at 1:30 PM IST on February 9th, with the toss taking place an hour earlier at 1:00 PM IST. The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack will host this crucial encounter. For those unable to attend the match in person, the Star Sports Network will provide live television coverage, while live streaming will be available on Hotstar. The match promises to be a nail-biting contest, with England needing a victory to keep their hopes alive in the series. The strategic decisions made by both captains, particularly concerning batting order and bowling choices, will play a vital role in determining the outcome of this crucial clash. The pitch conditions in Cuttack, including its pace and bounce, will also be a critical factor influencing the tactical approaches adopted by both teams.
The buildup to the second ODI has been intense, with experts and pundits analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The focus will be on whether India can maintain their winning momentum or if England can mount a spirited comeback. The performance of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for India, and Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes for England, will be crucial to the success of their respective teams. The match is not only important for the series outcome but also serves as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. The rivalry between these two cricketing giants always guarantees an exciting spectacle, and the Cuttack match is expected to live up to its billing as a thrilling encounter.
Source: IND vs ENG 2nd ODI Live streaming: When and Where to watch India vs England match in Cuttack?