India vs England 2nd ODI turned into a thrilling contest as England defeated India by four wickets in the second One-Day International, thanks to a composed unbeaten 99 from Joe Root. Chasing a target of 234, the hosts reached 234/6 in 44.1 overs to level the three-match ODI series at 1-1.
The series will now be decided in the third and final ODI, scheduled to be played at Lord’s on July 19.
Joe Root Anchors England’s Chase
England recovered well after losing an early wicket, with Joe Root producing another masterclass in ODI batting. The experienced right-hander remained unbeaten on 99 from 133 deliveries, striking nine boundaries while guiding his side home in a pressure chase.
Root built crucial partnerships through the middle overs and ensured England never lost control despite regular breakthroughs by the Indian bowlers. Gus Atkinson also played an important supporting role, staying unbeaten on 23 to help England cross the finish line.
England reached 100 runs in 19.4 overs and brought up the 200-run mark in 40.4 overs, keeping the required run rate under control throughout the innings.
Early Blow, Middle-Order Recovery
India made the perfect start when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett with the very first ball of England’s innings.
However, England rebuilt steadily through Joe Root and the middle order. Jacob Bethell scored 4, while captain Harry Brook contributed a quick 17 before being bowled by Axar Patel.
Sam Curran added 26 off 31 balls, including four boundaries, before falling to Shivam Dube. Will Jacks also chipped in with 30 runs, but Gurnoor Brar removed him just as England looked to accelerate.
Despite those wickets, Root’s calm presence ensured England completed the chase with nearly six overs to spare.
India Bowled Out for 233
After being asked to bat first, India struggled to convert promising starts into a match-winning total and were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs.
The visitors looked well placed at different stages of the innings, but England’s disciplined bowling attack kept taking wickets at regular intervals.
Virat Kohli was India’s standout performer with 65 runs off 66 balls, hitting eight fours. He reached his half-century in just 50 deliveries before eventually falling to Jofra Archer.
Shreyas Iyer also impressed with a fluent 66 from 71 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes. His innings helped India recover after losing wickets in the middle overs.
Together, Kohli and Iyer added valuable runs, but once both batters departed, India’s lower order failed to provide the finishing push.
England Bowlers Shine
England’s bowling attack shared the wickets and never allowed India to build sustained momentum.
Jofra Archer delivered important breakthroughs by dismissing Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. Gus Atkinson removed Shubman Gill and later ended Shreyas Iyer’s innings, while Saqib Mahmood also struck at crucial moments.
India lost several wickets in quick succession during the closing overs, preventing them from posting a more challenging total.
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Key Performances for India
Shubman Gill provided an aggressive start with 31 runs off 30 balls, hitting six boundaries before falling to Atkinson.
Rohit Sharma made 26, while Ishan Kishan, who replaced KL Rahul in the playing XI, was dismissed for just 1.
Washington Sundar managed 2, Axar Patel scored 1, and Shivam Dube was dismissed without scoring. Gurnoor Brar added 7, while Jasprit Bumrah remained unbeaten on 20 off 13 balls, providing some late runs with three fours and a six.
Despite Bumrah’s late cameo, India could not push their total beyond 233.
Series Heads to Decider at Lord’s
With this victory, England have drawn level in the three-match ODI series, making the final game at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground a winner-takes-all contest.
India will be aiming to bounce back after failing to defend a modest total, while England will take confidence from Joe Root’s match-winning knock and the effectiveness of their bowling attack.
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Match Summary
India: 233 all out in 44 overs
England: 234/6 in 44.1 overs
Result: England won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Joe Root (99* off 133 balls)
Series: Level at 1-1
Next Match: Third ODI at Lord’s on July 19, where the series champion will be decided.
