Our Bureau
Cardiff
England defeated India by four wickets in the second One-Day International at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday to level the three-match series 1-1, with Joe Root producing a match-winning unbeaten 99 to steer the hosts to victory and force a winner-takes-all decider at Lord’s on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 234, England reached 235 for six in 44.1 overs with 35 balls to spare. Root anchored the innings with a composed knock of 99 not out, narrowly missing a century after Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary. The former England captain was named Player of the Match for guiding his side through a tense chase after early setbacks.
Earlier, India failed to capitalize on a promising position after being asked to bat first. Despite half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer (66) and Virat Kohli (65), the visitors collapsed dramatically, losing their last seven wickets for just 55 runs to be bowled out for 233 in 44 overs. England’s pace attack, led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), maintained relentless pressure to trigger the batting collapse.
England’s chase was not without challenges, as India struck at regular intervals to keep the contest alive. However, Root combined patience with precision, building crucial partnerships that ensured the required run rate never spiralled out of control. Atkinson’s unbeaten cameo provided the finishing touches to a clinical chase.
The defeat was a disappointing setback for India after winning the opening ODI and leaves the series finely poised at 1-1. With momentum now shifting towards the hosts, both teams will head to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground for the decisive third ODI on Sunday, where the series winner will be determined.
