Root’s unbeaten 99 guides England to series-levelling win over India

CARDIFF: Joe Root produced another match-winning masterclass, remaining unbeaten on 99 as England chased down 234 to defeat India in Cardiff and level the three-match ODI series.

England’s chase got off to the worst possible start when Ben Duckett was dismissed off the very first ball by Jasprit Bumrah. Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook also fell cheaply, leaving Root to steady the innings. Displaying patience and composure, the veteran batter anchored the chase with crucial partnerships alongside Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson, guiding England home with 5.5 overs to spare. Root was denied a deserved century when Atkinson struck the winning boundary with just three runs required.

Earlier, India looked set for a commanding total after Virat Kohli’s fluent 65 helped them reach 178-3. However, England’s seam attack staged a remarkable comeback, taking the final seven wickets for just 55 runs to bowl India out for 233 with six overs remaining. Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson claimed three wickets apiece, while Saqib Mahmood chipped in with two as England’s bowlers turned the game around.

The decisive third ODI will be played at Lord’s on Sunday, with the series now locked at 1-1.