Pune: England levelled the three-match ODI series against India after beating the hosts by six wickets in the 2nd ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, here on Friday.
Sent to bat first, a classy century by KL Rahul (108) and a quickfire fifty by Risbabh Pant (77) powered India to an imposing total of 336/6 in 50 overs.
Apart from Rahul and Pant, captain Virat Kohli also played a valuable knock (66) while Hardik Pandya (35 off 16 balls) hit some breathtaking shots in slog overs.
For England, Reece Topley (2/50) and Tom Curran (2/83) claimed two wickets, while Sam Curran (1/47), and Adil Rashid (1/65) accounted for one wicket each.
In reply, England made a mockery of a 337-run target, courtesy a six-hitting spree from Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes.
England stayed on top right from the start as Jason Roy (55) and Jonny Bairstow (124) stitched a vital century-run partnership.
Ben Stokes’ 52-ball 99 accelerated the chase in the middle overs, and then debutant Liam Livingstone (27 off 21) took England over the line in just 43.3 overs with six wickets in hand. (UNI)
