England beat India by four wickets in 2nd ODI, series 1-1

England defeated India by four wickets in the second One-Day International in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, 2026, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. The victory was anchored by a masterful, unbeaten 99 from Joe Root, who guided his team to a target of 234 with 35 balls to spare at Sophia Gardens.

After winning the toss and electing to field, England restricted India to 233 all out in 44 overs. The visitors appeared well-positioned at 178 for three, thanks to a 67-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kohli scored 65 runs from 66 deliveries, while Iyer contributed 66 from 71. However, a dramatic collapse saw India lose their final seven wickets for just 55 runs. England's pace attack was instrumental in the turnaround, with Jofra Archer taking three wickets for 47 runs and Gus Atkinson claiming three for 50. Saqib Mahmood also chipped in with two wickets.

England's chase began disastrously, slumping to eight for two as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett with the first ball of the innings and Prasidh Krishna removed Jacob Bethell. The hosts found themselves in further trouble at 125 for five, with captain Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler among those...