India and England will face off in the second One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series on February 9, 2025, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. India leads the series 1-0 after a convincing four-wicket victory in the first ODI held in Nagpur. The upcoming match is crucial for England as they aim to level the series, while India will look to secure a series win with a game to spare.
Match Preview
In the first ODI, England, opting to bat first, posted a total of 248 runs. Captain Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell both contributed half-centuries, scoring 52 and 51 runs respectively. However, England's innings was marred by a middle-order collapse, triggered by a poorly executed run-out, leading to the loss of three wickets in eight balls. India's bowlers, particularly Harshit Rana (3-53) and Ravindra Jadeja (3-26), capitalized on this, restricting England to a sub-par total.
In response, India chased down the target with 68 balls to spare. Shubman Gill led the charge with a well-crafted 87, supported by Shreyas Iyer's quickfire 59 and Axar Patel's 52. Despite losing early wickets, these contributions ensured a comfortable victory for the hosts.
Team News
India's star batter, Virat Kohli, missed the first ODI due to a knee issue but is expected to return for the second match. His inclusion will bolster India's batting lineup. Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut in the first game but may make way for Kohli's return. The rest of the squad will likely remain unchanged, with the team management showing confidence in the current combination.
England, on the other hand, will be keen to address their middle-order vulnerabilities. Joe Root’s return to the ODI setup adds experience to the batting order. The bowling unit, led by Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, showed promise but must be more disciplined to contain India's strong batting lineup.
Weather and Pitch Report
The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is known for its batting-friendly surface, offering good bounce and carry. Historically, teams batting first have enjoyed success here, suggesting that the toss could significantly affect the match's outcome. The weather forecast for February 9 predicts hazy sunshine with temperatures around 28°C, providing ideal conditions for cricket.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
England:
- Phil Salt
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Jos Buttler (c & wk)
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell
- Liam Livingstone
- Brydon Carse
- Adil Rashid
- Jofra Archer
- Saqib Mahmood
Key Players
India:
- Shubman Gill: The young opener showcased his class in the first ODI with a composed 87 off 96 balls, including 14 boundaries. His ability to anchor the innings makes him a crucial player at the top.
- Ravindra Jadeja: With figures of 3-26 in the first match, Jadeja was instrumental in dismantling England's middle order. His all-round capabilities add depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
England:
- Jos Buttler: The captain led from the front with a solid 52 in the first ODI. He is known for aggressive batting, so Buttler's performance will be pivotal to England's fortunes.
- Joe Root: Returning to the ODI squad, Root's experience and stability are invaluable. His ability to anchor the innings and play spin effectively will be crucial against India's varied bowling attack.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Considering India's comprehensive performance in the first ODI and the anticipated return of Virat Kohli, the hosts appear to have the upper hand. Their batting lineup is formidable, and the bowlers have effectively exploited England's weaknesses.
However, England is known for its resilience and ability to bounce back. The inclusion of Joe Root adds depth to their batting, and if their bowlers can execute disciplined strategies, they can pose a significant challenge. Nonetheless, given the current momentum and home advantage, India is favoured in clinching the second ODI and securing the series.