Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Joe Root guided England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second one-day international at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, July 16, 2026. His unbeaten 99 helped England reach 235 for six and level the three-match series before Sunday’s decider at Lord’s.
Chasing 234 on a surface where the ball often stopped, England fell to 94 for four inside 20 overs. Joe Root remained composed as Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook departed during a tense start.
Elsewhere in cricket, Steve Smith’s 40-ball century powered a record-breaking Twenty20 chase.
Joe Root faced 133 balls and struck nine boundaries while controlling the chase from the second delivery. Will Jacks made 30 and shared a 72-run sixth-wicket partnership with Joe Root before Gus Atkinson finished unbeaten on 23.
Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary with Joe Root one run short of his 21st ODI century. The official England Cricket website provides match coverage and highlights from the series.
Earlier, India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs after appearing well placed at 104 for one. Virat Kohli scored 65 from 66 balls, while Shreyas Iyer made 66 from 71.
Jofra Archer changed the course of the innings with three wickets for 47, removing Virat Kohli before dismissing Axar Patel and Shivam Dube in consecutive deliveries. Gus Atkinson claimed three for 50 as England kept India below a more demanding total.
Joe Root was unconcerned about missing his century as England completed the chase with 35 balls remaining. “Getting the win is what it’s all about. Sometimes you have to scrap and win ugly.”
