Joe Root produced another masterclass under pressure, guiding England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday with an unbeaten 99. His composed knock helped England chase down 234 and level the three-match series 1-1. The winner-takes-all decider will now be played at Lord’s on Sunday.
India struggled with the bat after a promising start and were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs, a total that proved insufficient despite an impressive effort from the bowlers early in England’s chase.
Joe Root anchors England’s successful chase
Chasing 234, England lost wickets at regular intervals, but Joe Root remained calm throughout the innings.
The experienced batter scored an unbeaten 99 off 133 balls, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. His innings kept England in control even when India threatened to make a comeback.
Root shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Will Jacks (30) for the sixth wicket after England slipped to 125/5. The stand steadied the innings and put the hosts on course for victory.
England eventually reached the target in 44.1 overs. Root narrowly missed out on a century after Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary.
Kohli and Iyer rescue India after early setbacks
India’s innings revolved around Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, who were the only batters to convert their starts into significant scores.
Kohli played a fluent knock of 65 from 66 balls, hitting eight boundaries. He looked comfortable throughout his stay and produced several trademark drives, including a stylish straight drive off Jofra Archer.
Iyer added 66 runs, countering England’s short-ball tactics with confidence and keeping India’s innings together during the middle overs.
However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide enough support.
Rohit Sharma’s poor form continues
India captain Rohit Sharma once again struggled to find rhythm at the top of the order.
He managed 26 runs off 47 deliveries, with his innings lacking fluency and intent. England’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines, particularly against the left-right angle created by their seamers, making life difficult for the Indian opener.
Rohit’s innings ended when an attempted lap sweep off Will Jacks resulted in a top edge that was comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
His continued struggles have intensified discussions about his form ahead of the series decider.
England bowlers restrict India
England’s pace attack kept India under pressure throughout the innings.
Jofra Archer starred with 3 wickets for 47 runs, consistently troubling the batters with extra pace and bounce.
Gus Atkinson matched Archer’s effort by claiming 3 for 50, while Saqib Mahmood picked up 2 wickets for 52 runs.
India suffered a major collapse during the middle overs, losing four wickets for just 15 runs, which prevented them from posting a more competitive total.
Indian pacers made early inroads
India’s bowlers started brilliantly while defending 233.
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett early with a delivery that moved away just enough to find the edge.
Prasidh Krishna then removed Jacob Bethell with a sharply rising delivery, while Harry Brook also departed after playing an attacking shot.
Despite England being reduced to 125/5, Root’s experience and composure ensured the chase stayed on track.
Axar Patel and Shivam Dube provide breakthroughs
India continued fighting through the middle overs.
Shivam Dube removed Sam Curran after wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan completed a smart stumping.
Later, Axar Patel dismissed England captain Jos Buttler to briefly raise India’s hopes.
However, Root remained unbeaten and ensured England crossed the finish line without further drama.
Series heads to Lord’s decider
With the victory, England has leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1.
The final match at Lord’s on Sunday will decide the series winner. The game also carries added significance amid speculation that it could be Rohit Sharma’s final ODI appearance for India, although there has been no official confirmation.