Lord’s hosts England’s 27-run ODI series victory over India
England secured a 2-1 ODI series victory against India at Lord’s, winning the final match by 27 runs. The home side posted a record total, driven by a century from Ben Duckett and a strong opening partnership. Despite a significant chase led by Rohit Sharma, India ultimately fell short.
Harry Brook, England captain, saw his side achieve a formidable total of 387 for three. This score included Ben Duckett’s 141 from 135 balls, which set a new men’s ODI record at Lord’s, surpassing Viv Richards’ 138 not out from 1979. Duckett’s performance was part of a 192-run opening stand with Jacob Bethell, also a record for an England pair against India for any wicket.
Bethell contributed 91 from 93 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. His innings helped establish a strong foundation for England’s high score. After Bethell’s dismissal, Duckett continued to build the innings alongside Joe Root, who added 74 not out from 48 balls. Root has been in strong form, scoring 360 runs since his last dismissal in the format.
Towards the end of England’s innings, Jos Buttler delivered an impactful cameo, scoring an unbeaten 41 from 13 balls. His aggressive batting, which included four fours and three sixes, helped England accumulate 82 runs from the final five overs, pushing their total to 387 for three.
India’s spirited chase falls short
In response, India mounted a determined chase, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge. He scored 138 from 110 balls, marking his 34th ODI hundred. Sharma formed significant partnerships, first with Shubman Gill, who contributed 77, and then with Virat Kohli, who made 74. Their efforts kept India in contention for much of the match, with the team needing 84 runs from 39 balls at one point.
The crucial breakthrough came when Jacob Bethell dismissed Rohit Sharma, bowling him with a left-arm delivery. This wicket left India at 260 for two in the 39th over. Bethell’s contribution was significant, having earlier scored 91 with the bat.
Sam Curran played a pivotal role in halting India’s momentum, claiming four wickets for 75 runs. His spell included the dismissals of Ishan Kishan (14), Shreyas Iyer (0), and Virat Kohli. Kohli’s 74 was his first half-century at Lord’s in any format. Curran’s late burst of wickets proved decisive, as India finished their innings on 360 for seven, falling 27 runs short of the target.
Captain’s reflections and series overview
England captain Harry Brook expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly their ability to bounce back after losing the first ODI. He highlighted the fight, camaraderie, and belief shown by the team and coaches. Brook also credited head coach Brendon McCullum for Bethell’s introduction and the strong rapport they have built, which has seen England secure T20 and ODI series wins against India this summer.
Shubman Gill, India’s captain, reflected on the match, noting that his team felt they were in a strong position until the 45th over of England’s innings. He suggested that giving up too many runs in the final three overs was a key factor in the outcome. Gill also mentioned the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to a knee injury sustained in Cardiff, which impacted India’s bowling attack.
The series victory follows England’s 4-0 T20 series whitewash of India earlier in the summer. This marks only England’s second ODI series victory over India since 2012, demonstrating the team’s progress. Joe Root, named Player of the Series, scored 249 runs across the three games without being dismissed.
The match began with a minute’s silence for the late Sir Garfield Sobers. Bethell, who received a scholarship to Rugby School with a personal reference from Sobers, narrowly missed his second century in the format.
The series saw India win the first ODI at Edgbaston by six wickets, followed by England’s victory in the second ODI at Cardiff by four wickets, setting up the decisive encounter at Lord’s on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Read Also
Source: theguardian.com