Root Guides England To Series-Levelling Win As India Falter Despite Kohli, Iyer Fifties

CARDIFF, Jul 17: Joe Root produced a composed unbeaten 99 as England defeated India by four wickets in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens on Thursday to level the three-match series 1-1 and set up a decider at Lord’s on Sunday. Chasing 234, England recovered from early setbacks to reach the target in 44.1 overs, with Root anchoring the innings through an unbeaten 133-ball knock. He shared a crucial 72-run sixth-wicket partnership with Will Jacks (30) after England slipped to 125/5. Root narrowly missed out on a century as Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary with England needing just one run. Earlier, India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66). Kohli played with confidence, striking eight boundaries in a fluent 66-ball innings, while Iyer countered England’s short-ball strategy with a well-crafted 66 off 71 deliveries. India captain Shubman Gill contributed a brisk 31, but the visitors suffered another middle-order collapse, losing four wickets for just 15 runs in 26 deliveries. England’s pace attack dominated the innings, with Jofra Archer claiming 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50, and Saqib Mahmood 2/52. Former India captain Rohit Sharma continued his lean run with a laborious 26 off 47 balls, struggling to find rhythm before falling to Will Jacks. His innings added to concerns over his form after another subdued performance at the top of the order. India’s bowlers made an encouraging start to the defence as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett early, while Prasidh Krishna removed Jacob Bethell and Gurnoor Brar accounted for England skipper Harry Brook. However, Root remained composed, rotating the strike effectively and building partnerships. He added 41 runs with Sam Curran before Axar Patel dismissed Jos Buttler, but England stayed in control with the modest target never allowing scoreboard pressure to build. The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and final ODI to be played at Lord’s on Sunday. Brief Scores: India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65, Shubman Gill 31; Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50, Saqib Mahmood 2/52) England: 234/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Will Jacks 30; Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Axar Patel picked up wickets) England won by four wickets; series level 1-1.