England prevail over India to level ODI series in ever-shifting thriller
A well-fought game in Cardiff saw India bow down to Joe Root’s persistence as England levelled the ODI series. After plenty of to and fro throughout the game, England had the last laugh as Root stayed unbeaten at the finish, seeing his side home despite wickets tumbling at the other end.
Winning the toss, England opted to bowl first. Shubman Gill looked in his natural rhythm from the start while Rohit Sharma played anchor at the other end. The opening duo added 44 runs for India before Gus Atkinson rattled the stand, claiming Gill (31).
In walked Virat Kohli, and Indian fans had a chance to watch their favourite pair in action. Kohli took the attack on while Sharma motored along steadily, the two knitting together a 60-run partnership before Will Jacks removed Sharma for 26.
Despite India losing Ishan Kishan (1) shortly after, Shreyas Iyer was quick to take over the reins. Iyer and Kohli then combined for a commanding fourth-wicket stand during which Kohli brought up his 78th half-century, while Iyer notched his 24th fifty in the 50-over format. The two added 67 runs before Kohli eventually fell for 65.
Much to India’s shock, Kohli’s fall triggered a sudden collapse, and India lost their last seven wickets in the space of just 55 runs. From 178/3, the visitors were bundled out for 233 with six overs unused. Iyer fell for 66 before India found some late salvation through Jasprit Bumrah, who stayed unbeaten on 20 from just 13 balls.
Defending a modest total, India got off to a rollicking start as Bumrah struck with the first ball to dismiss Ben Duckett for a golden duck. Jacob Bethell (8) followed Duckett’s footsteps soon after as Prasidh Krishna struck next. Harry Brook (16) got a start but couldn’t convert it.
England looked under real pressure as they slipped to 53/3. Sam Curran (26) put in a strong shift, but before he could kick on, Shivam Dube got the better of him.
England leaned on cameos from one end while Joe Root controlled the charge at the other. Will Jacks chimed in with another instrumental cameo, scoring 30 off 44 balls and stitching together a defining 72-run partnership with Root that effectively sealed the game.
Gus Atkinson (23*) and Root (99*) saw England home. Gurnoor Brar finished with figures of 2/67, while Bumrah, Krishna, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel claimed a wicket apiece. England won the game by four wickets to restore parity to the series. Joe Root claimed the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten knock.
