Cardiff, 17 July (H.S.): Joe Root produced a composed and match-winning unbeaten knock of 99 to guide England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second One-Day International, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

In the match played at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, England successfully chased a target of 234, reaching 235 for 6 in 44.1 overs. The victory has set up a series decider, which will be played at Lord's on Sunday.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, England dismissed India for 233 in 44 overs. Virat Kohli top-scored with 65, while Shreyas Iyer contributed a resilient 66. No other Indian batter managed to convert their start into a substantial innings. Captain Shubman Gill scored 31, Rohit Sharma added 26, and Jasprit Bumrah remained unbeaten on 20.

England's bowling attack was led by Jofra Archer, who claimed three wickets with an impressive spell. Gus Atkinson also picked up three wickets, while Saqib Mahmood finished with two scalps.

Root Anchors England's Recovery

England's chase got off to a disastrous start as Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook were dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts struggling at 53 for 3.

The experienced Root then steadied the innings with remarkable composure, guiding England through the middle overs. He received valuable support from Sam Curran (26), Will Jacks (30) and, in the closing stages, the unbeaten Gus Atkinson (23).

Root fell just one run short of a deserved century but ensured England crossed the finish line with 35 balls to spare. His unbeaten 99 also marked his fifth consecutive score of 50 or more in One-Day Internationals.

Indian Bowlers Made an Early Impact

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck with the very first ball of the innings to put England under immediate pressure. Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar also provided early breakthroughs, but Root's calculated innings denied the visitors the opportunity to maintain control of the contest.

Gurnoor Brar finished with two wickets, while the remaining Indian bowlers were unable to make regular inroads during the chase.

Kohli and Iyer Revived India's Innings

India's innings also began on a shaky note before Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer stitched together a crucial 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket to stabilise the innings.

Kohli struck seven boundaries during his 65-run knock, while Iyer played a determined innings of 66. However, Archer's timely breakthroughs prevented India from building a more imposing total.

Bumrah added some late fireworks with a few aggressive strokes in the closing overs, but India eventually finished on 233.

Brief Scores

India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65, Shubman Gill 31, Rohit Sharma 26, Jasprit Bumrah unbeaten 20).

Bowling (England): Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50, Saqib Mahmood 2 wickets.

England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root unbeaten 99, Will Jacks 30, Sam Curran 26, Gus Atkinson unbeaten 23).

Bowling (India): Gurnoor Brar 2 wickets.

Result: England won by four wickets to level the three-match ODI series 1-1. The series decider will be played at Lord's on Sunday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar