Joe Root hit an unbeaten 99 to steer England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, leveling the three-match series 1-1. The win sets up a decider at Lord's on Sunday.
England's chase and Root's mastery
Chasing 234 for victory, England slipped to 94 for four inside the 20th over before Root's calm 133-ball knock, featuring nine boundaries, anchored the innings. He shared a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket with Will Jacks, who made 30 from 44 balls. Gus Atkinson's unbeaten 23 off 18 balls then helped seal the win with 35 balls to spare.
Root was left on 99 not out when Atkinson hit the winning runs, prompting a joking punch to his partner's arm before shaking hands with India's players. "Getting the win is what it's all about. Sometimes you have to scrap and win ugly," Root said after the match.
India's innings and England's bowling
Earlier, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field. Jofra Archer led the bowling attack with three for 47, while Gus Atkinson took three for 50 and Saqib Mahmood claimed two for 52. India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 65 from 66 balls and Shreyas Iyer adding 66 from 71 balls.
India's total could have been worse but for Jasprit Bumrah's 20 off 14 balls, including 18 runs in one over off Mahmood. Brook's own dismissal for 16, attempting an ambitious ramp shot off Gurnoor Brar, was a low point, but he marshaled his bowlers effectively.
Series context and future outlook
England, ranked eighth in ODI cricket, need to build momentum ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Root remains central to their plans as the only top-six batter comfortable in the 50-over format. India's Rohit Sharma, who scored a scratchy 26, faces an uncertain future after reports suggested he may be dropped from the ODI setup.
