England clinched a four-wicket win over India, thus leveling the series at 1-1. Joe Root’s stellar innings of 99 was pivotal as the Indian batsmen faltered, collapsing to just 233 runs. (Photo/AP/PTI)
Veteran Joe Root’s outstanding chasing and clinical bowling display helped England make a comeback in style, registering a comfortable four-wicket win over India in the second ODI on Thursday.
The resounding victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a fantastic winner-takes-all final at Lord’s on Sunday.Opting to bowl first, England’s pace attack took advantage of the conditions to bowl out India for a modest 233 in 44 overs, triggering a stunning mid-innings collapse.
Earlier, India looked well placed to take a commanding total, comfortably reaching 178 for 3 in 32 overs. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71 balls) laid a solid foundation, as the duo kept the scoreboard on top through official play.However, the England players responded strongly. Led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Jos Atkinson (3/50), the hosts launched a batting slide that saw India lose their last seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to wiggle under sustained pressure, and India were eventually folded with six overs left unplayed.Striving for a modest 234, England’s top order had some tough times against the moving ball, and both openers fell inside the first four overs with just eight runs on the board.
India’s Jurnor Brar bowled with impressive power, taking 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former captain played with composure, accelerating the chase to perfection. As wickets flew around him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The duo weathered a difficult spell, putting together a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket to shift the momentum firmly in England’s favour.After Jack was gone for 30 off 44, it was Jos Atkinson who saw England home alongside Root. The duo put together a quick and uninterrupted 38-run partnership off just 25 deliveries. Atkinson played a brilliant innings of 23 not out off 16 balls, while Root, despite being cruelly stranded on 99 not out off 133 balls, pinned the chase brilliantly until the end.England overhauled the target to end the match at 235 for 6, finishing with 35 balls to spare. With the scales now balanced after India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham, the decider at Lord’s is expected to be a thrilling affair.Summary scores:India: 233 all in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65, Jofra Archer 3/47, Jos Atkinson 3/50)England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Wheeljack 30; Jurnor Brar 2/67)a result: England won by four wickets.