Match scheduled for 1:30 PM IST in Ahmedabad, February 11 — Team India is set to face England in the third and final ODI, aiming to achieve a clean sweep ahead of their Champions Trophy campaign. With India holding a commanding 2-0 series lead, thanks to identical four-wicket victories, Rohit Sharma’s squad is eager to secure a win at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a site of past disappointment from the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Crucially, Virat Kohli remains 89 runs shy of joining the elite 14,000 ODI runs club, making his performance vital as India shores up their preparations for the Champions Trophy commencing February 19 in Karachi. India’s opener against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20 under a hybrid hosting model further enhances the stakes.
Rohit Sharma’s return to form, marked by a blazing 90-ball 119 in the second ODI, has energized the team, while the inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy has fortified India’s spin arsenal. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s smooth transition back from injury has also provided reassurance.
However, concerns loom over the fitness of premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently under rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, striving for a tournament comeback.
Rested but resolute, the Indian squad may tweak its lineup, perhaps offering Rishabh Pant a chance while counting on Axar Patel’s recent prowess at No. 5, relieving pressure off Ravindra Jadeja. Conversely, England’s tour has been one of introspection as their core batting lineup struggles, despite noteworthy performances from Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root. Adil Rashid remains a standout in the bowling department, but Jos Buttler’s side faces mounting questions as Jacob Bethell’s injury adds to their woes.
With India focused on refining their tactics and England searching for coherence, the final showdown promises to be a test of grit and strategy.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/02/12/india-eye-odi-sweep/
Category : SPORTS
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Publish Date: 2025-02-12 10:39:00
