Sun Feb 09 12:19:12 UTC 2025: ## England Sets India a 305-Run Target in Second ODI
**Cuttack, India:** England posted a challenging 304-run target for India in the second One Day International (ODI) at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on [Date of Match]. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, England’s innings was spearheaded by Ben Duckett (65) and Joe Root (69), but lacked substantial contributions from other batsmen. Captain Jos Buttler contributed 34 runs, while Harry Brook scored 31 and Phil Salt added 26.
Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets. Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and debutant Varun Chakravarthy each took a wicket apiece, while the last three English batsmen were run out. England’s lower order crumbled, losing their final three wickets through run-outs in the closing stages.
Despite a strong start with a 75-run opening partnership and a solid powerplay, England’s momentum faltered in the middle overs. Key partnerships between Root and Brook (83 runs) and Root and Buttler (51 runs) kept the scoreboard ticking, but the Indian bowlers managed to keep the run rate in check and prevent the big hitting partnerships needed to reach a massive score. Root reached his 40th ODI half-century in the process.
India’s fielding played a crucial role, with several key catches including crucial dismissals of Root by Virat Kohli off Jadeja’s bowling. A dropped catch of Liam Livingstone by KL Rahul also highlighted moments of missed opportunity in the Indian fielding efforts.
The match saw the return of Virat Kohli to the Indian side and the debut of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. England also made three changes to their team, bringing in Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jimmy Overton. The series continues with India needing a strong chase to level the series. The match was televised on Star Sports and streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar.
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