India suffered a four-wicket defeat in the second ODI against England at Cardiff on Thursday (July 16), allowing the hosts to square the series with one match to spare.
Invited to bat first, the tourists were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs. Despite strong fifties by Shreyas Iyer (66) and Virat Kohli (65), India’s middle order faltered as they lost five wickets for 32 runs.
For England, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson led the way with three wickets each. Saqib Mahmood bagged two scalps while Sam Curran and Will Jacks returned with wicket apiece.
In reply, the Three Lions' top and middle order crumbled, putting the team in a precarious position at 125/5.
However, Joe Root (99*) held the innings together and was supported by crucial cameos from Will Jacks (30), Sam Curran (26), and Gus Atkinson (23*) to steer the team across the line with 35 deliveries remaining.
Cricket fraternity was full of praise for Joe Root’s masterful unbeaten knock in a must-win game for England to keep the series alive.
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