Root’s century miss fails to dampen England’s series-leveling victory over India
Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 anchors England’s chase of 234 in Cardiff, setting up a decisive final match at Lord’s on Sunday.
England have levelled their one-day international series against India following a four-wicket victory in Cardiff, a result that sets up a decisive final match at Lord’s on Sunday. Chasing a target of 234, England reached 235-6 in 44.1 overs, guided by Joe Root’s masterful unbeaten 99 off 133 balls. The win follows a dominant 4-0 series victory for England in the preceding T20 format, marking a significant shift in momentum for the hosts.
India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs, with Shreyas Iyer scoring 66 and Virat Kohli contributing 65 before a late collapse. Kohli had looked in ominous form, steering his side to 178-3 in the 32nd over, but his dismissal sparked a dramatic shift. England’s bowlers took the last seven wickets for just 55 runs, with Jofra Archer playing a pivotal role by taking 3-47, including the crucial wicket of Kohli.
The English chase began chaotically, with captain Harry Brook dismissed for 16 in a manner described as calamitous after attempting a ramp shot over the keeper. Root was immediately tasked with rebuilding the innings after early wickets fell to Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. Root provided a masterclass in adapting to tricky conditions, holding firm after the departures of Sam Curran and Jos Buttler to anchor the chase.
Gus Atkinson hit the winning boundary with three runs needed, denying Root a century but securing the victory for England. Root’s partnership with Atkinson proved decisive in getting the team over the line with 5.5 overs to spare. Atkinson also contributed with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-50, while Saqib Mahmood took 2-52 to complete a fine all-round performance for the bowling attack.
Earlier in the day, England had chosen to bowl first after a poor performance in the opener at Edgbaston. The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, added a steady 44 for the first wicket, with Sharma being dropped on five by Atkinson. The innings teetered at 111-3 before Kohli’s arrival, but England’s seamers eventually stifled the middle order, leaving India with six overs of their innings unused.
The series decider at Lord’s on Sunday will determine the winner of the ODI series. England’s ability to respond after their Edgbaston defeat demonstrates a resilience that was lacking in the previous match, with Root’s innings serving as the cornerstone of their success. The victory ensures the series remains finely balanced as both teams prepare for the final encounter.
