England produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat India by four wickets in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, drawing the three-match series level at 1-1. Joe Root starred with a composed unbeaten 99, steering the hosts to victory after England’s pace attack restricted India to 233.

Although Root narrowly missed a century, his match-winning knock ensured England comfortably chased down the target with 20 balls remaining, setting up a winner-takes-all final ODI at Lord’s.

Joe Root Anchors England’s Successful Chase

England’s chase got off to a shaky start after losing two early wickets, but Root once again showcased his experience under pressure.

The veteran batter calmly rebuilt the innings with valuable partnerships, rotating the strike consistently while punishing loose deliveries. Instead of relying on boundaries, Root accumulated runs through smart placement and excellent running between the wickets.

His unbeaten 99 included nine boundaries and proved to be the difference as England crossed the finish line with six wickets in hand.

Gus Atkinson sealed the victory with a towering six, leaving Root stranded one run short of a deserved century.

England Pace Attack Restricts India to 233

After choosing to bowl first, England’s fast bowlers maintained pressure throughout India’s innings.

Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson claimed three wickets each, while Saqib Mahmood picked up two as India’s batting line-up failed to capitalize on a promising position.

The visitors were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs after suffering another middle-order collapse.

England Bowling Figures

• Jofra Archer: 3 wickets
• Gus Atkinson: 3 wickets
• Saqib Mahmood: 2 wickets

England’s seam attack consistently forced mistakes and prevented India from building lasting partnerships.

Kohli and Iyer Shine Before India Collapse

India made a positive start through Shubman Gill before losing momentum after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal.

Gill scored a quick 31, while Rohit managed 26 during another difficult outing with the bat.

Virat Kohli looked close to his fluent best, playing attractive strokes on both sides of the wicket during a well-crafted 65. At the other end, Shreyas Iyer continued his impressive ODI form with a confident 66.

The pair stitched together an important partnership that put India in a strong position.

At 179 for four, India appeared set to post a total beyond 260. However, the innings fell apart after Kohli’s dismissal.

India’s Batting Collapse Proves Costly

England grabbed control once Kohli departed.

India lost four wickets for just 15 runs, with Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube all failing to contribute.

Only Jasprit Bumrah’s unbeaten 20 helped push India’s total beyond 230.

The late collapse once again highlighted India’s inability to finish innings strongly despite solid foundations.

Bumrah Gives India Early Hope

India’s bowling attack made an ideal start while defending the target.

Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett with the opening delivery before Prasidh Krishna removed Jacob Bethell, reducing England to 11 for two.

Despite the early breakthroughs, Root absorbed the pressure brilliantly and slowly shifted momentum back in England’s favour.

His partnerships with Harry Brook, Will Jacks and Sam Curran ensured the required run rate never became a concern.

Root Creates Unique ODI Record

Root’s unbeaten 99 also entered the record books.

He became the first England batter to remain unbeaten on 99 in a One-Day International and joined a rare list of players worldwide to finish an ODI innings stranded on that score.

While the century slipped away, his innings was remembered for its maturity and match-winning impact.

Series Heads to Lord’s Decider

With England’s victory in Cardiff, the three-match ODI series is now perfectly balanced at 1-1.

India will take confidence from Kohli’s return to form and another dependable innings from Shreyas Iyer, but concerns remain over Rohit Sharma’s struggles and the batting collapse under pressure.

England, meanwhile, will enter the decisive match with momentum after producing one of their most complete performances of the series.

All eyes now turn to Lord’s, where both teams will battle for the series title.

FAQs

1. Who won the second ODI between England and India?

England defeated India by four wickets in Cardiff.

2. How many runs did Joe Root score?

Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99 and guided England to victory.

3. What score did India post in the second ODI?

India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs.

4. Who were India’s top scorers?

Virat Kohli scored 65, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 66.

5. Which England bowlers impressed the most?

Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson picked up three wickets each, while Saqib Mahmood claimed two.

6. How did England start their chase?

England lost two early wickets before Joe Root steadied the innings.

7. What record did Joe Root achieve?

He became the first England batter to finish an ODI innings unbeaten on 99.

8. What is the current ODI series score?

The three-match series is tied 1-1.

9. Where will the final ODI be played?

The series decider will be played at Lord’s.

10. What hurt India’s chances the most?

A middle-order collapse after Virat Kohli’s dismissal prevented India from posting a bigger total.