God’s first chance! India, England script unique ODI record with century opening stands | Cricket News
India and England created a unique piece of ODI history at Lord’s during the series decider in the third and final one-dayer, with both teams registering 100-plus opening partnerships in the same match for the first time at the iconic venue on Sunday.The record was sealed after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 147 runs for the first wicket in India’s chase of the 388-run target in England. Their stand came after England openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell had earlier stitched a commanding 192-run partnership, setting the stage for the hosts’ massive total of 387/3.According to available records, this is the first time both teams have posted opening centuries in the same ODI at Lord’s, underlining the batting-friendly nature of the surface and the dominance of the top-order batters.England’s innings was built around Duckett’s magnificent 141 off 135 balls and Bethell’s fluent 91 off 93 deliveries. The pair frustrated the Indian bowlers for over 30 overs, taking the score to 192 before the first wicket fell.Joe Root then provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 74 off just 48 balls, while Jos Buttler struck a 13-ball 41 not out to propel England to one of their highest ODI totals on historic soil.India responded positively despite the daunting target. Rohit and Gill matched England’s aggressive approach, scoring freely against both run and spin. Rohit mixed charm with power in his innings, while Gill played a captain’s knock, finding the boundary regularly as the pair kept India’s hopes alive.The partnership ended in the 25th over when leg-spinner Adil Rashid was trapped by Gill lbw on 77. Gill reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking confirmed three reds, ending the 147-run stand. Virat Kohli then joined Rohit at the crease with India still needing a whopping 224 runs from the remaining overs.While the match remains well-arranged, the day has already entered the record books, with Lord’s witnessing a statistical first in ODI cricket as both teams made century-opening partnerships in the same competition.
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