IND vs ENG: Team India arrives in Bhubaneswar for 2nd ODI against England

Team India has reached Bhubaneswar ahead of their second ODI match against England, scheduled to take place on Sunday in Cuttack. The Men in Blue, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, received a grand welcome at their hotel. Star players including Virat Kohli and vice-captain Shubman Gill were among those greeted with an enthusiastic reception.

England’s team also arrived at the same hotel and received a warm welcome. Players such as Brydon Carse and Harry Brook, along with the rest of the squad, settled in ahead of the crucial fixture.

India currently leads the three-match ODI series 1-0 after securing a four-wicket victory in the opening game at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer delivered impressive performances, both scoring crucial half-centuries to steer the team to victory.

Recapping the first ODI, England won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett provided an explosive start, adding 75 runs for the first wicket. Salt scored 43 runs off 26 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Duckett contributed 32 runs from 29 balls, including six boundaries. However, England soon found themselves struggling at 111/4 after the dismissal of key batter Joe Root, who managed just 19 runs.

Captain Jos Buttler then anchored the innings with a vital knock of 52 off 67 balls, building a 59-run stand with Jacob Bethell. Bethell reached his half-century with a steady 51 off 64 balls, striking three fours and a six. A late cameo from Jofra Archer, who remained unbeaten on 21 off 18 balls, lifted England to a total of 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s bowling attack was led by Ravindra Jadeja, who finished with figures of 3/26, while Harshit Rana also claimed three wickets for 53 runs. Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a wicket each.

During the chase, Shubman Gill led from the front with a fluent 87 off 96 balls, smashing 14 boundaries. Shreyas Iyer provided solid support with a quickfire 59 off 36 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Axar Patel also played a crucial role, scoring 52 off 47 balls, including six fours and a six, as India successfully chased the target with four wickets to spare.

For England, Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid were the standout bowlers, each claiming two wickets. However, their efforts were not enough to stop the Men in Blue from taking a 1-0 lead in the series.