IND vs ENG, 3rd ODI: India crush England by 142 runs to secure clean sweep

New Delhi: India achieved a convincing 142-run victory over England in the third One-Day International in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, securing a clean sweep in the series. Shubman Gill's outstanding century (112 off 102 balls, including 14 boundaries and 3 sixes) was a crucial factor in India's success.

In a match where the swinging ball caused early trouble, notably dismissing Rohit Sharma in the second over, Gill demonstrated patience and classic technique, reminding the team that traditional methods still have a place, especially during challenging phases. He formed a solid 121-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the second wicket, focusing on spending time at the crease to counter the conditions.

India’s performance during the PowerPlay was slightly slower with only 52 runs, but the pair capitalized on loose deliveries, with Kohli getting off to a strong start, including a delightful cover drive off Mark Wood, a well-timed whip through mid-wicket, and a crisp square cut off Saqib Mahmood.

Gill’s elegant on-drive against Gus Atkinson to conclude the first 10 overs gave England a glimpse of his impressive timing and down-the-ground prowess that was to come.

England’s decision to bring Joe Root into the attack post-PowerPlay didn’t faze the Indian duo, as they raced to 24 runs off his two overs. Kohli flirted with fate against Root, playing a sweep shot that saw him edge the ball for a boundary over square leg.

The shift in momentum in those two overs helped India regain control of the innings. Gill dispatched Atkinson over the fence, then executed a powerful pull through mid-wicket for another boundary. He also launched Liam Livingstone for a maximum over his head and cut well from deep in his crease to bring up his fifty off 51 balls.

However, Rashid’s clever bowling once again proved challenging for Kohli, who went for a drive, only to edge it to the keeper, following his solid half-century off a run-a-ball.