India News

By Aarav Reddy — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

England secured a four-wicket victory over India in the Second ODI in Cardiff, levelling the one-day international series. Joe Root played a pivotal role, scoring 99 not out to guide his team to a target of 234 with 5.5 overs remaining. His innings was crucial after England experienced a challenging start to their chase.

The chase began with an early setback as Ben Duckett was dismissed on the first ball of the innings by Jasprit Bumrah. Jacob Bethell also fell quickly to Prasidh Krishna for four. Following a 45-run partnership for the third wicket, captain Harry Brook was out for 16, attempting to ramp the ball over the keeper.

Root remained composed amidst these early wickets, providing stability for England. He found support from partnerships with Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson, ultimately leading his team to victory. Despite his efforts, Root was denied a century when Atkinson hit the winning boundary with three runs still needed.

England’s bowling effort

Earlier in the match, India, after looking set for a large total with Virat Kohli scoring 65, saw their innings unravel. England’s bowlers took the last seven wickets for only 55 runs, resulting in India being bowled out for 233, leaving six overs unused. Kohli’s dismissal, a top edge off Jofra Archer, proved to be a turning point.

The dismissal of Kohli invigorated England’s seam attack. Saqib Mahmood removed Washington Sundar in the subsequent over, and Archer added Axar Patel and Shivam Dube to his tally, finishing with figures of 3-47. Shreyas Iyer contributed 66 runs, but Atkinson took two wickets in three balls, completing a strong all-round bowling performance with 3-50, while Mahmood finished with 2-52.

Archer’s bowling was particularly effective against Kohli. After India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, added 44 for the first wicket, Sharma was eventually dismissed by Jacks. Ishan Kishan managed only one run, and India were 111-3, setting the stage for Kohli. However, Archer’s strategy of bowling noticeably shorter deliveries, exploiting extra bounce, led to Kohli’s downfall, along with Washington and Axar.

Root’s disciplined innings

Root’s innings was described as a masterclass in adapting to challenging conditions and the consistent bowling of India. His 76-ball fifty was noted as the third-slowest of his ODI career, reflecting the difficult nature of the pitch. He maintained discipline, playing the ball late and providing a lesson in reading the game situation.

During his partnership with Harry Brook, Root’s solid approach contrasted with Brook’s more aggressive, at times chaotic, batting. While Brook was swinging and missing, Root remained firm. He started his innings with four runs from 20 balls before accelerating once settled, in a game that resembled a more traditional ODI format.

Root’s ability to rotate the strike was highlighted by Harry Brook, who called him a phenomenal player and a great person to have around. Brook noted that Root consistently performs when needed and has been one of the best in the world at strike rotation in 50-over cricket. Shubman Gill also acknowledged Root as the master of such totals.

Despite Atkinson’s late boundary denying Root his 21st century in the format, Root celebrated with unselfishness as Atkinson pulled Krishna for four, securing the win. The series is now level, with the decider scheduled to take place at Lord’s on Sunday, following England’s 4-0 dominance in the preceding T20 series.

Source: bbc.com