Who Said What: Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni turn back the clock to help India win second ODI
Yuvraj Singh’s career-best ODI score, MS Dhoni’s first century since October 2013 helped India recover from a poor start to post a massive total, which was simply too much for England as they lost the series after losing the second ODI at Cuttack.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, India got off to the worst possible start as they lost their top three for just 25 runs. But Yuvraj and Dhoni turned back time as they put on a double-century partnership for the fourth-wicket to help India post 381/6.
In response, England lost Alex Hales early but fifties from Jason Roy and Joe Root kept them interested. But after both fell, along with the cheap dismissals of both Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler it looked as though the game was gone. But captain Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali had other ideas.
The England captain scored a century while Moeen got his fifty and while they were there, anything looked possible. But once Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the better of Moeen and Morgan followed him soon after, it was only a matter of time and in the end, England lost by 15 runs.
After his career-best score which was also his first ODI hundred since 2011, Yuvraj described it as one of his best innings, He said: “Probably, one of my best innings. The last time I got a hundred was the 2011 World Cup. I am very happy with the innings. We were trying to get a partnership. I just wanted to play down the ground and not take much risk. I have been hitting the ball well in the whole domestic season.
“I had a word with Sanjay Bangar, I told him the way I am hitting the ball I will go big. With the five fielder rule, mid-on, mid-off is up, the wicket was not [helpful] for the seamers after the first 10 overs. Dhoni has been a sensational captain for India. When Mahi is not captaining, he will bat freely. Hopefully, if we take early wickets we can win the game.”
Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:
Michael Vaughan:
Fantastic effort @englandcricket .. Especially the skipper @Eoin16 .. it's a loss but this ODI Batting team are pleasure to watch .. #Wallop
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 19, 2017
Worlds gone Mad ... Score 350 + two games on the trot ... and still you are 2-0 down ... #Crackers
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 19, 2017
Anil Kumble:
Well done team! Put up a wonderful game throughout! #INDvENG @BCCI
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) January 19, 2017
Harbhajan Singh:
Congrats boys @imVkohli @msdhoni @YUVSTRONG12 gr8 partnership. @BCCI 2-0Make it 3-0 well played @Eoin16 too
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 19, 2017
VVS Laxman:
What a match.Even 381 is not looking enough.Congrats Team India on winning the match & seriesSpare a thought for @Eoin16 Brilliant knock
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 19, 2017
Sachin Tendulkar:
What an amazing partnership between a superstar and a rockstar!! We enjoyed the show :) @YUVSTRONG12 @msdhoni #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/mU8o3iJfZi
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 19, 2017
Virender Sehwag:
Only old notes are out of circulation.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 19, 2017
Great knocks from @YUVSTRONG12 and @msdhoni . pic.twitter.com/A87EmghpV8
This man has defeated Cancer.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 19, 2017
Today,he only defeated the English bowlers.Everyone can learn not to give up.
Proud of @YUVSTRONG12 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/1wdBhpKEAa
Rohit Sharma:
. @YUVSTRONG12 and @msdhoni looking good out in the middle. Are we in for a vintage Dhoni/Yuvi partnership #INDvENG @BCCI
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 19, 2017
Kevin Pietersen:
I love @YUVSTRONG12! Well done my buddy! All the love coming from Melbourne!
— KP (@KP24) January 19, 2017
Former England Michael Vaughan:
Incredible story and comeback @YUVSTRONG12 ... To Beat the Dreaded 'C' is remarkable but to then score an international 100 .. !!! #Strong
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 19, 2017
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff:
Great to see @YUVSTRONG12 back and in form , tough competitor https://t.co/kWlO4tbSmz
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) January 19, 2017
Harbhajan Singh:
Well done my brother @YUVSTRONG12 too good..Superb knock..No one can stop a champion
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 19, 2017
Irfan Pathan:
So good to hear abt @YUVSTRONG12 scoring 100 n that to with @msdhoni m sure it must be a treat watch them bat together @BCCI #INDvENG
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 19, 2017
Tom Moody:
What a brilliant innings from @YUVSTRONG12 well played sir! #INDvENG
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 19, 2017
James Taylor:
What a phenomenal achievement from Yuvraj!! Constantly overcoming adversity!! Brilliant! #TakeABow #INDvENG #YuvrajSingh
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) January 19, 2017
Parthiv Patel:
What a player!!!what an inning!!!good things happen to good people...salute to @YUVSTRONG12
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 19, 2017
VVS Laxman:
Well played @YUVSTRONG12 Loved ur approach &positivity esp when the team was under pressureProud of you mate #INDvENG @BCCI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 19, 2017
Mohammed Shami:
Well played yuvi paji congratulations.
— Mohammed Shami (@MdShami11) January 19, 2017
We njoyed yours batting Dhoni* 70 and yuvi*108
Russel Arnold:
Yuvi is strong @YUVSTRONG12 How Good was that hundred... needed to be strong to fight battles he has had #INDvENG Well done buddy !!!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 19, 2017
Alex Tudor:
Took kids little gym just got home to see the score card seems I have missed some #licks @YUVSTRONG12 @msdhoni will take some chasing
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) January 19, 2017
Former England fast bowler Chris Tremlett:
What a brilliant innings from @YUVSTRONG12 well played sir! #INDvENG
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 19, 2017
David Lloyd:
Great inns this from Yuvraj ... one of the great one day players
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) January 19, 2017
Anjum Chopra:
Vintage @YUVSTRONG12. Super knock! This will remain extra special for you and for all those who like to see you perform at your best @BCCI
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) January 19, 2017