India and England faced off on February 12, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the third and final One Day International (ODI) match of their series. With India already having secured the series with two wins, they aimed for a clean sweep against England, who were desperate to avoid loss. The match commenced at 1:30 PM IST, following the coin toss won by England's captain Jos Buttler, who opted to bowl first.
From the outset, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were expected to open for India, and they made headlines with their performances throughout the series. Rohit, especially, was on the lookout to replicate his form after scoring 119 runs in the previous match, which contributed significantly to India's victory by chasing down 305 runs. Joining him were key players Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, both poised to make impactful contributions.
On the other side, England relied on their captain Jos Buttler to guide the team, with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett opening the innings. The batting order also included seasoned players like Joe Root, whose experience was expected to be pivotal for England. They aimed to fight back strongly after their losses, needing to build momentum for the upcoming matches.
Conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium were favorable for batting, with reports indicating the pitch would benefit teams chasing targets. Historically, teams batting second had won five out of eight ODIs, and the dry surface was likely to assist batsmen as the game progressed. Night-time matches at this venue often provided even slicker conditions, which may have played to India's favor.
Both teams announced their respective playing elevens. India featured Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Kings XI star Ravindra Jadeja, among others. England's squad included notable names such as Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, and premium quicks Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid.
Early on, India had to navigate some tight overs after losing Rohit Sharma cheaply, with the captain falling on just two balls. But Kohli and Gill quickly steadied the innings, showcasing their intent and skill. By the 13th over, Kohli and Gill were both accumulating runs, setting India up well as they propelled the score above 100 runs.
Shreyas Iyer, who had also been consistent throughout the series, unfortunately, lost his wicket during the 39th over, contributing 78 runs off 64 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes. Then came the highlight of the match when Shubman Gill, after scoring his maiden ODI century, was dismissed by Adil Rashid for 112 runs, showcasing his prowess at the crease. Gill's innings, crafted from 102 balls, included 14 boundaries and three sixes — establishing him as the player to watch this season.
India’s innings continued to flourish under the aggressive batting from Kohli, who seemed at ease against England's attack. His form, combined with Gill's earlier innings, firmly placed India on the path to victory. The top-order led confidently and fans were treated to beautiful cricket as both batsmen displayed their skills.
With the Champions Trophy approaching, India’s performance was instrumental. Coach Rahul Dravid expected the boys to peak just at the right moment before the prestigious tournament. By this match’s conclusion, the team would not only have secured historical benchmarks but also invaluable experience as they faced greater challenges head-on.
The match marked not only the end of this series but also provided key insights for both teams moving forward. England, especially, needed to introspect and understand their weaknesses, particularly after failing to capitalize on leads. The series concluded with India maintaining momentum, much to the delight of fans and supporters back home.
Fans tuning in for the match enjoyed extensive coverage, with the game being broadcast on the Star Sports network and live-streamed via Disney+ Hotstar, ensuring avid cricket lovers did not miss any of the action.