Cardiff: England rode on a masterclass from Joe Root to secure a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI, levelling the three-match series 1-1. Root’s unbeaten 99 off 133 balls proved to be the difference as the hosts chased down a modest target of 234 in 44.1 overs at Sophia Gardens.
The series now heads to a decider at Lord’s, with added intrigue surrounding the future of Rohit Sharma, amid ongoing speculation about his ODI career.
India post below-par total despite Kohli, Iyer efforts
India’s innings never quite gathered momentum as they were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs. While Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) provided some stability, the rest of the batting line-up faltered under pressure.
Rohit Sharma’s struggles continued, with the Indian skipper managing a laboured 26 off 47 balls. His innings lacked fluency, and apart from a solitary six, he failed to assert himself. England’s bowlers, particularly left-arm seamers and spinners, exploited his discomfort with disciplined lines and variations.
The partnership between Rohit and Kohli yielded 60 runs, but it lacked rhythm, with Kohli doing the bulk of the scoring. Once set, Kohli played some elegant strokes, including a trademark back-drive off Jofra Archer, reminding fans of his peak form.
However, a middle-order collapse saw India lose four wickets for just 15 runs, derailing their innings. Archer (3/47) led the bowling attack with pace and precision, while Gus Atkinson (3/50) and Saqib Mahmood (2/52) provided excellent support.
Root’s composure guides England home
In response, England faced early setbacks but found stability through Joe Root’s composed innings. The experienced batter anchored the chase with remarkable control, adapting perfectly to the pitch conditions that offered uneven bounce.
India’s pacers made early inroads, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Ben Duckett, while Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar picked up key wickets to reduce England to 125 for five.
However, Root remained unfazed. He stitched together a crucial 72-run partnership with Will Jacks (30), which effectively turned the match in England’s favour.
Root’s approach was measured and intelligent, as he utilised gaps in the field and rotated the strike efficiently. With no scoreboard pressure due to the modest target, he ensured England stayed ahead in the chase.
He fell agonisingly short of a well-deserved century as Atkinson struck the winning boundary, leaving Root stranded on 99.
India’s bowling effort falls short
Despite the early breakthroughs, India’s bowlers could not maintain consistent pressure in the latter half of the innings. The absence of Washington Sundar, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, weakened the team’s balance.
Axar Patel did provide a moment of brilliance by dismissing Jos Buttler, but the lack of sustained support allowed England to rebuild.
Earlier, Sam Curran (26) also contributed with a steady partnership alongside Root, further stabilising the innings.
Decider at Lord’s awaits
With the series now level, the focus shifts to the final ODI at Lord’s. The match not only promises a thrilling contest but also carries emotional weight, given the speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s near-perfect innings underlined the value of experience and composure in challenging conditions. While India showed flashes of brilliance, their inconsistency with the bat and inability to capitalise on early breakthroughs cost them the match. As both teams head to Lord’s for the decider, the stakes are high, with pride, momentum, and possibly a significant career milestone on the line.