Sun Feb 09 10:39:37 UTC 2025: ## England Stumbles Slightly, Reaching 200/3 in Tense ODI Against India
**Pune, India** – England ended the first innings of the second ODI against India on 200/3, a score that reflects a fluctuating performance under pressure from the Indian bowlers. While the opening partnership provided a strong start, India fought back effectively in the middle overs to stifle England’s momentum.
Ben Duckett laid the foundation with a fluent 65 off 56 balls, including 10 boundaries, before falling to Ravindra Jadeja. Phil Salt contributed a quick 26 before also being dismissed by Jadeja. Harry Brook’s innings of 31 was ended by a stunning catch by Shubman Gill off Harshit Rana.
Joe Root (45*) and Jos Buttler (22*) provided a steady, if not explosive, finish to the innings. Root, particularly, survived a close LBW appeal, successfully reviewed, with UltraEdge revealing the ball brushed his glove.
Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the Indian bowlers, showcasing his economy and claiming one wicket (figures of 7-1-25-1). Varun Chakravarthy (8-0-39-1) and Harshit Rana (7-0-41-1) also provided crucial breakthroughs, while Mohammed Shami proved expensive.
Despite England’s strong start, India’s disciplined bowling, particularly the spin attack, restricted the flow of runs in the middle overs. While England managed to accelerate slightly towards the end, the score ultimately falls short of expectations given the impressive start to their innings. The remaining overs will be crucial as England look to set a competitive total for India to chase.
First Piper 