India capped off their dominant run in the ODI series with a crushing 142-run win over England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, sealing a 3-0 whitewash. While their four-wicket victories in the first two matches hinted at India’s superiority, the final ODI left no doubt about the gulf between the two teams.
Shubman Gill was the standout performer, scoring a magnificent 112 in his 50th ODI, his first century in 14 innings. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer provided valuable support with well-compiled half-centuries, ensuring India reached an imposing total of 356. England’s chase started with promise but quickly unraveled, as they lost their last eight wickets for just 88 runs. The result was yet another crushing defeat for the visitors, who have now lost 16 of their last 23 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup.
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Gill’s Ton Lays the Foundation for India’s Big Total
England’s decision to bowl first after electing to bat in the previous two ODIs didn’t pay off as India’s top order flourished. The early loss of Rohit Sharma to Mark Wood’s first delivery was a rare moment of joy for England. The Indian captain, fresh from a scintillating century in the last match, managed just two balls before edging to Phil Salt behind the stumps.
Despite the early setback, Gill and Kohli took charge with a commanding 116-run stand. The duo ensured a steady flow of boundaries while rotating the strike efficiently. Kohli, looking in fine touch, reached his 123rd fifty-plus ODI score in just 50 balls. However, England’s best bowler of the night, Adil Rashid, ended his stay by getting one to dip and grip, drawing Kohli forward and taking the edge to the keeper.
Shreyas Iyer picked up from where Kohli left off, immediately settling into a smooth rhythm alongside Gill. The pair added 104 runs in quick time, pushing India into a commanding position. Gill played the anchor role initially but unleashed a flurry of strokes after reaching his half-century. His hundred came off 95 balls, and he celebrated the milestone with a crisp flick through midwicket.
Shreyas, too, was in sublime touch, reaching his half-century in just 43 deliveries. However, he fell soon after, looking to accelerate further, gloving Rashid down the leg side for another catch to Salt. The leg-spinner then removed Gill with a straighter one, cutting short what could have been an even bigger knock.
Despite Rashid’s efforts, India’s lower order chipped in with crucial runs. KL Rahul’s 29-ball 40, combined with aggressive cameos from Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, ensured India finished with their highest ODI total at this venue and their third-highest against England.
England’s Bright Start Fizzles Out Amid Middle-Order Collapse
England’s chase of 357 got off to a promising start. Ben Duckett, despite carrying a thigh injury, came out swinging, taking the attack to Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. The left-hander smashed four boundaries off the latter in quick succession, but his aggressive intent backfired as Arshdeep foxed him with a knuckleball that lobbed to Rohit at mid-off.
Phil Salt, who looked fluent early on, fell soon after, chipping an Arshdeep slower ball straight to backward point. At 60 for 2, England still had hope, with Joe Root and Tom Banton at the crease. The latter, playing his first ODI in over a year, showcased his ability with a couple of eye-catching reverse-swept sixes against Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. However, Banton’s fortunes ran out when Kuldeep Yadav deceived him with a wrong ‘un, getting him caught behind.
Root tried to hold things together but was undone by an Axar yorker, while Jos Buttler and Harry Brook played onto their own stumps against Rana in quick succession. What had looked like a steady chase at 126 for 2 quickly deteriorated to 175 for 8, as England’s middle order collapsed under pressure yet again.
Spin Trio and Seamers Wreak Havoc
With key bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja rested, India turned to their spin trio of Kuldeep, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, who made full use of the conditions. Kuldeep’s dismissal of Banton triggered England’s downfall, while Sundar and Axar kept the pressure on with tight lines.
Liam Livingstone endured a torturous 23-ball stay before being stumped while attempting an ill-advised charge against Sundar. Hardik Pandya then produced a beauty to shatter Rashid’s off stump, making up for his earlier expensive overs.
While England’s tailenders Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood attempted some late fireworks, striking a few boundaries, it was merely delaying the inevitable. England eventually folded for 214, with 94 balls still left in their innings.
India’s Champions Trophy Preparations Look on Track, England in Crisis
India’s emphatic win in this series reaffirms their status as outright favorites for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The form of Gill, Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer bodes well, while the depth in India’s bowling attack makes them a formidable unit heading into the tournament.
For England, however, this tour has been nothing short of disastrous. Losing seven out of eight matches highlights deep-seated issues in their ODI setup. Brendon McCullum now faces an uphill task in revitalizing the squad ahead of their tournament opener against Australia on February 22 in Pakistan. Meanwhile, India, in far better shape, will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, carrying significant momentum into the tournament.
With all aspects of their game firing, India has once again made a strong statement on the global stage, while England is left searching for answers.
Read More: Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025; Varun Chakravarthy Joins Squad
FAQs
How did India win the ODI series against England?
India secured a 3-0 series whitewash over England with a dominant 142-run victory in the final ODI. Shubman Gill’s century, half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, and a clinical bowling performance dismantled England’s chase.
Who were the standout performers in India’s win over England?
Shubman Gill starred with a 112-run knock, while Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored crucial fifties. Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel spun a web around England’s batting lineup to secure a crushing victory.
What went wrong for England in the ODI series?
England’s middle-order collapsed frequently, losing 16 of their last 23 ODIs. Despite good starts in the final game, their inability to handle India’s spinners and poor shot selection led to another heavy defeat.
How does this series impact India’s Champions Trophy preparations?
India’s dominant performances reaffirm their status as tournament favorites. With in-form batters and a versatile bowling attack, they look well-prepared for their opening game against Bangladesh on February 20.
What’s next for England after this ODI series loss?
England faces a tough challenge ahead of the Champions Trophy. With seven losses in their last eight matches, Brendon McCullum must address their batting inconsistency before their opener against Australia on February 22.
