search
calendar Thursday, August 20, 2026

ODI: Bairstow, Stokes force decider against India

March 26, 2021
< 1Min Read
England batsman Ben Stokes (right) celebrates his half-century with Jonny Bairstow during the second One Day International between India and England at MCA Stadium on March 26, 2021 in Pune, India. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)

Jonny Bairstow struck a magnificent century and Ben Stokes a brutal 99 in an emphatic England chase of 337 to beat India in the second one-day international in Pune.

Stokes was simply awesome in cracking 10 sixes in his 52-ball stay, while the brilliant Bairstow made 124 from 112 deliveries.

Their second-wicket stand of 175 came at nine runs an over, completely decimating the India attack.

Even though England lost three wickets for two runs in nine balls, the chase – comfortably England’s highest in India and their fifth-best of all-time – was completed with 6.3 overs to spare.

It made India’s 336-6 – built on a measured 108 from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s thrilling 77 – look meagre.

The series, now level at 1-1, will be decided on Sunday. (BBC Sport)

Advertisement
_____