Floodlight failure causes chaos in India vs England second ODI, players forced off after extended delay

New Delhi: The second innings of the 2nd ODI between India and England came to a halt due to a floodlight malfunction at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday (February 9). The match had progressed for 6 overs before a floodlight issue disrupted play. Following the first delivery of the seventh over, the lights failed once again, leading to a temporary stoppage in the game.

Although the issue was briefly resolved, the lights went out once more, forcing the players to wait on the field before deciding to leave. The Indian team was seen chatting in the dugout during the delay.

India stood at 48/0 after 6.1 overs, with Rohit Sharma on 29 off 18 balls and Shubman Gill on 17 off 19. Rohit was in excellent form, hitting 3 sixes. If the delay extends, officials may reduce the number of overs, potentially adjusting India’s target.

India is aiming to chase down a target of 305 in the 2nd ODI. England got off to a strong start, with their opening pair, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, putting together an 81-run partnership for the first wicket. Salt made 26, while Duckett played a solid knock of 65 off 56 balls. Joe Root also played a vital innings, scoring a half-century to help England’s total approach 250.

Liam Livingstone’s explosive knock of 41 from 32 balls powered England past the 300-run mark, setting a strong total. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Shami each claimed a wicket.

India secured an easy victory in the series opener, and a win in the second ODI will seal the series for them with one match remaining. India had earlier triumphed 4-1 in the five-match T20I series. Both sides will compete in the 2025 Champions Trophy following the conclusion of the ODI series.