First time ever at Lord’s! India, England script a unique ODI record with century opening stands

India’s Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill. (NOT a photo) India and England created a unique piece of ODI history at Lord’s during the third and final series-deciding one-day tournament, 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 England’s formidable target of 388 runs.Their stand came after England openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell had earlier put together a commanding 192-run partnership to lay the foundation for the hosts’ massive total of 387/3.According to available records, this is the first time both teams have posted century opening stands in the same ODI at Lord’s, underscoring the batting-friendly nature of the surface and the dominance of the top-order batsmen.England’s innings was built on Duckett’s brilliant 141 off 135 balls and Bethell’s smooth 91 off 93 deliveries. The pair frustrated the Indian bowlers for over 30 overs, with the score reaching 192 before the first wicket fell.Joe Root then provided the perfect finish with an unbeaten 74 off just 48 balls, while Jos Buttler smashed a 13-ball 41 not out to propel England to one of their highest ODI totals on the historic ground.India responded positively despite the daunting target. Rohit and Gill matched England’s aggressive approach, scoring freely against both pace and spin.Rohit mixed elegance with power in his innings while Gill played the captain’s stroke and regularly found the boundary as the pair kept India’s hopes alive.The partnership ended in the 25th over when spinner Adil Rashid trapped Gill lbw for 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 requiring a substantial 224 runs from the remaining overs.While the match remained a draw, the day has already entered the record books, with Lord’s witnessing a statistical first in ODI cricket as both teams forged a century-opening partnership in the same competition.

Who do you think contributed more to England’s overall record?

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

More than 5,000 users have already voted today

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

Share an opinion