Cardiff: Joe Root’s 99 not out helps England level one-day series against India

By Rohan Gupta — 17 July 2026 — 4 min read

England secured a four-wicket victory over India in the second One-Day International in Cardiff, levelling the series at one-all. The win was largely orchestrated by Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 99, guiding his team to chase down India’s total of 233 with 5.5 overs to spare. This performance sets up a decisive third match at Lord’s on Sunday.

Root’s innings was crucial after England experienced a challenging start to their chase. Ben Duckett was dismissed on the first ball of the innings by Jasprit Bumrah, and Jacob Bethell followed, falling to Prasidh Krishna for four. Captain Harry Brook also departed for 16, attempting to ramp the ball over the keeper, contributing to a chaotic early phase for England.

Despite the early wickets, Root maintained composure, providing stability to the innings. He built partnerships and navigated the tricky conditions effectively. His efforts were particularly noteworthy after the departures of Sam Curran and Jos Buttler, finding valuable support from Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson to steer England towards their target. Root’s 76-ball fifty was described as the third-slowest of his ODI career, highlighting the challenging conditions and the consistent bowling from India.

Root was described as a class apart, especially after another dismissal from Brook. While Brook was seen swinging and missing, Root remained solid, demonstrating discipline and a clear understanding of the game situation. His unselfish approach was evident when Atkinson hit the winning boundary, denying Root a century but securing the victory for England.

India’s Innings and England’s Bowling Response

Earlier in the match, India’s Virat Kohli showed promising form, scoring 65 runs. However, England’s bowlers staged a strong comeback, taking the last seven wickets for just 55 runs. This collapse led to India being bowled out for 233, leaving six overs of their innings unused. India had appeared to be on track for a higher total, reaching 178-3 in the 32nd over before Kohli’s dismissal.

Kohli’s top edge off Jofra Archer proved to be a turning point. This wicket revitalised England’s seamers. Saqib Mahmood then removed Washington Sundar in the subsequent over. Archer continued his impact, adding Axar Patel and Shivam Dube to his tally, finishing with figures of 3-47. Shreyas Iyer attempted a late rally with his 66, but Atkinson took two wickets in three balls, concluding a strong all-round bowling performance with 3-50, while Mahmood finished with 2-52.

England had chosen to bowl first after a less than ideal start to the series at Edgbaston. Despite an unthreatening beginning, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill adding 44 for the first wicket, England’s bowlers eventually found their rhythm. Sharma’s knock of 26 from 47 balls ended when he top-edged a sweep off Jacks, the only wicket of the innings to fall to spin. Gill, who had been in good touch, was caught by Duckett off a crisply-timed drive.

Ishan Kishan managed only one run, and India’s innings was at 111-3, setting the stage for Kohli to build a platform. However, Archer’s intervention thwarted this plan. Archer bowled noticeably shorter deliveries, and Kohli, who seemed destined for a higher score, was deceived by the extra bounce, fending away to be caught behind. This tactic also worked against Washington and Axar, who were similarly dismissed.

Root’s Leadership and Series Decider

Root’s ability to rotate the strike was highlighted by Harry Brook, who praised him as a phenomenal player and a great presence in the team. Brook noted that Root consistently performs when needed and is one of the best at managing run-scoring in 50-over cricket. Root himself expressed that winning the series was the priority, especially given the challenging conditions and pitch, stating his anticipation for the upcoming game at Lord’s.

The match was described as a gripping contest between bat and ball throughout. Root’s performance ensured that England could level the series, demonstrating his ability to master conditions when few others could. The series decider will now take place at Lord’s on Sunday, following England’s dominant 4-0 victory in the preceding T20 series.

The atmosphere at Cardiff was described as quiet during tense moments, with the crowd fully invested in the slow drama of the game. Root’s call for a new bat, with Brydon Carse bringing out a selection of yellow-handled blades, added a moment of visual interest during the cautious play. Joe Root was stranded on 99 not out as Gus Atkinson hit the winning boundary, securing the four-wicket victory for England.

Source: bbc.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter