A classic anchor innings from Joe Root guided England to a
series-levelling, four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at Sophia
Gardens in Cardiff. Chasing a modest target of 234, Root anchored the chase
with an unbeaten 99. In a dramatic statistical quirk, he was left stranded just
one run short of a century when Gus Atkinson hit the winning runs with 20 balls
to spare.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Earlier in the day, after England won the toss and elected
to bowl, India’s batting performance followed a frustratingly familiar pattern.
Robust half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71) and Virat Kohli (65 off 66)
had put the visitors in a commanding position at 178/3. However, Kohli’s
dismissal to Jofra Archer triggered a severe middle-order collapse. India lost
four wickets for just 15 runs, folding for 233 in 44 overs. Archer (3/47) and
Atkinson (3/50) were the pick of the English bowlers.
India’s defense started spectacularly. Jasprit Bumrah
dismissed Ben Duckett for a golden duck with the very first ball, and Prasidh
Krishna quickly removed Jacob Bethell to leave the hosts reeling at 11/2. Yet,
Root stepped up with trademark composure, stitching vital partnerships with Sam
Curran (26) and Will Jacks (30) to steer the ship.
With the three-match series tied at 1-1, both teams now head to Lord's for what promises to be a thrilling winner-takes-all series decider.
