IND vs ENG 3rd ODI : India innings report
India Posts Mammoth 356 as Gill, Iyer Shine in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: India showcased their batting prowess in the third ODI against England, posting a formidable 356 in 50 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Shubman Gill’s scintillating century (112 off 102) and a blazing knock from Shreyas Iyer (78 off 64) were the highlights of the innings, setting the stage for a challenging chase under lights.
Opting to bowl first, England had an early breakthrough as Mark Wood dismissed skipper Rohit Sharma for just 1. However, the duo of Gill and Virat Kohli (52 off 55) steadied the innings, adding a crucial 116-run partnership. Kohli looked fluent but fell to Adil Rashid, who turned out to be England’s best bowler, claiming 4/64 in his 10 overs.
Gill carried on the momentum, finding strong support from Iyer, who played a counterattacking innings, striking at 121.87. Their partnership propelled India past the 200-run mark before Rashid struck again, removing Gill in the 35th over.
It is Gill 50th ODI and he scored 7th ODI hundred in his 50th ODI.
The middle order kept the scoreboard ticking, with KL Rahul (40 off 29) and Hardik Pandya (17 off 9) providing late fireworks. India lost wickets in clusters towards the end, but crucial cameos from Axar Patel (13), Washington Sundar (14), and Harshit Rana (13) ensured India reached a commanding total.
England’s bowling attack had a tough day, with Rashid leading the charge, while Wood (2/45) and Mahmood (1/68) chipped in. Gus Atkinson (1/74) and Joe Root (1/47) proved expensive, struggling to contain India’s aggressive stroke play.
With a required rate of over seven runs per over, England faces a daunting task in pursuit of 357. Their batting unit, led by Phil Salt and captain Jos Buttler, will need to fire collectively to keep the series alive.
Can England pull off a historic chase, or will India’s bowling unit defend the total? Stay tuned for the second innings.
