India secured a dominant 3-0 series sweep against England with a commanding 142-run victory in the final One Day International (ODI) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The comprehensive win was anchored by a magnificent century from Shubman Gill and a disciplined bowling performance that dismantled the English batting lineup, reaffirming India's dominance in limited-overs cricket.
The match saw India put up an imposing total of 356 runs in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to Gill’s exceptional batting display. He played with remarkable poise and aggression, scoring a fluent 112 runs, which provided a solid foundation for the innings. Virat Kohli further strengthened the innings with a well-crafted 52, while Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in the middle order, contributing an impressive 78 runs. Their partnerships ensured that England’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs, despite their best efforts.
England’s chase began with some promise, as they reached 126 for two in 18 overs, giving their supporters a glimmer of hope. However, the momentum quickly shifted when India’s bowlers tightened their grip on the game. Arshdeep Singh struck early, dismissing England's openers Ben Duckett and Phil Salt, setting the tone for the Indian attack. Axar Patel maintained the pressure, removing Joe Root with a well-executed delivery, while Harshit Rana’s fiery spell in the middle overs resulted in the key wickets of Harry Brook and Jos Buttler. Kuldeep Yadav further stifled the English batting lineup with his accurate and economical bowling, ensuring that England struggled to form any meaningful partnerships. As a result, the English team was bowled out for just 214 runs in 34.2 overs.
Following the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised the team’s performance, emphasizing their adaptability and resilience throughout the series. He highlighted the importance of this series win as a confidence booster ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. On the other hand, England’s captain Jos Buttler admitted that India had been the superior side and acknowledged the shortcomings in his team’s performance. He pointed out England’s failure to counter-spin effectively and the lack of strong partnerships as major reasons for their struggles. With this loss, England has now suffered seven defeats in their last eight matches, raising concerns about their form and strategy heading into future tournaments.
The series win further cements India’s reputation as a formidable force in ODI cricket, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling. Meanwhile, England will need to reassess their approach and make strategic adjustments if they hope to bounce back in upcoming international fixtures.
