Rohit Sharma made a straightforward catch as Arshdeep Singh provided India with a crucial breakthrough in the third ODI, dismissing Ben Duckett for 34. India had a dominant outing with the bat in Ahmedabad, piling up a formidable 356 after being asked to bat first. In response, England began aggressively, with Duckett looking in fine touch before Arshdeep Singh halted his charge.
The left-arm seamer removed Duckett for 34 off 22 balls, ensuring that England’s promising start didn’t translate into a big partnership. Arshdeep’s dismissal of Duckett was a masterclass in tactical bowling. After conceding a few boundaries in the previous over, he stuck to his plan of using variations rather than relying on sheer pace.
Ben Duckett, who was already dealing with a groin strain, seemed cautious against the slower deliveries. Sensing an opportunity, Arshdeep cleverly delivered a well-disguised knuckleball, inviting Duckett into an ambitious shot.
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Duckett, eager to break free, attempted a powerful swing over the infield but was undone by his lack of foot movement. His mistimed shot lobbed towards mid-off, where Rohit Sharma calmly settled under the ball to complete an easy catch. The Indian skipper, quick to acknowledge the strategy, gestured towards his head, signaling that the plan had worked perfectly.
Double-strike for Arshdeep Singh ⚡️⚡️
And a successful powerplay for #TeamIndia
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— BCCI (@BCCI) February 12, 2025
Earlier in the match, Shubman Gill continued his rich vein of form with a classy 112, steering India to a commanding total. His well-paced innings included a crucial 116-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who notched up a composed 52, marking his return to form.
Shreyas Iyer further bolstered India’s innings with an aggressive 78 off 64 balls, ensuring that the momentum remained with the hosts despite England chipping away with wickets. However, the visitors struggled to contain the onslaught, with most of their bowlers finding it tough to apply pressure.
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The only saving grace for England was leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who delivered a stellar spell of 4/64, breaking key partnerships and preventing an even bigger total. But with a target of 357 to chase, England now faces an uphill battle to stay in the contest.
