England Levels ODI Series with Four-Wicket Victory Over India

In a thrilling second ODI, England leveled the series against India with a four-wicket victory, thanks to Joe Root's outstanding performance. Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed disappointment over the team's total, which fell short of expectations. Despite solid contributions from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, India's middle order struggled, leading to a total of 233 runs. England's disciplined bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer, kept India under pressure. The series is now tied at 1-1, with the decider scheduled at Lord's on July 19.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 04:06 IST

Disappointment for India in Second ODI

Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed his disappointment following India's four-wicket loss to England in the second ODI of their three-match series. Joe Root's impressive unbeaten 99 led England to victory at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, leveling the series at 1-1. Chasing a target of 234, England managed to recover from early setbacks thanks to Root and Will Jacks.

India, batting first, could only muster 233 runs despite solid contributions from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. England's bowling attack, spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, each taking three wickets, consistently applied pressure on the Indian batsmen.

Gill noted that the team was aiming for a score between 300 and 310 but lost too many wickets during the middle overs. He acknowledged that the lower middle order failed to capitalize on their starts and praised Root for his ability to chase down targets effectively.

Root's Performance Steers England to Victory

In their chase of 234, England faced early challenges but managed to complete the target with nearly six overs to spare, with Root playing a pivotal role in the innings.

India started strongly with the ball, as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett on the first ball of the innings. Prasidh Krishna quickly followed up by taking out Jacob Bethell, leaving England in a precarious position at 8/2.

Root's steadying presence was crucial as he formed a 45-run partnership with captain Harry Brook, who scored 16 runs before being dismissed by debutant Gurnoor Brar. Despite losing wickets, Root's partnership with Will Jacks, who contributed 30 runs, was instrumental in guiding England closer to victory. Root reached his fifth consecutive ODI fifty, finishing with 99 runs off 133 balls.

India's Struggles with the Bat

Earlier, England's bowlers executed a disciplined strategy, limiting India to 233 runs in 44 overs. Despite half-centuries from Kohli and Iyer, India struggled to gain momentum on a pitch favorable to seamers.

After choosing to bowl first, England maintained pressure with consistent breakthroughs. Rohit Sharma scored 26 runs, while Shubman Gill added 31 before the hosts struck back. Ishan Kishan, who replaced the unwell KL Rahul, managed only one run.

Kohli and Iyer steadied the innings with a vital partnership, with Kohli scoring 65 runs before his dismissal shifted the momentum back to England. India's middle order faltered, with Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar all failing to score significantly.

Iyer's fighting 66 off 71 balls, along with late contributions from Jasprit Bumrah, who scored an unbeaten 20, helped India reach a competitive total. England's bowlers, particularly Jofra Archer, who took three wickets, and Gus Atkinson, who also claimed three, were key in restricting India.

Looking Ahead

The series is now tied at 1-1, with the final match set to take place at Lord's on July 19.