London, 20 July (H.S.): England defeated India by 27 runs in the third and final One-Day International at Lord's to seal the three-match series 2-1, thanks to a magnificent 141 from Ben Duckett and a match-winning bowling display led by Sam Curran. Chasing a daunting target of 388, India finished on 360 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Rohit Sharma's outstanding 138, one of the finest centuries of his ODI career, was not enough to guide the visitors to victory.

Batting first, England posted a formidable 387 for three in 50 overs, their highest-ever ODI total against India. Opener Ben Duckett starred with a superb 141 off 135 deliveries, while Jacob Bethell contributed an impressive 91. The pair stitched together a commanding 192-run opening partnership to put India under sustained pressure.

In the closing overs, Joe Root remained unbeaten on 74, while captain Jos Buttler smashed an unbeaten 41 as the duo added 63 runs in just 19 deliveries to propel England to a massive total. For India, Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets, while Prince Yadav picked up one.

India began the chase confidently, with captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma putting together a solid 147-run opening stand. Gill played a fluent knock of 77 before being dismissed. Rohit then combined with Virat Kohli for a 113-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping India's hopes alive.

Rohit Sharma produced a brilliant innings of 138 from 111 balls, striking 17 boundaries and five sixes. His knock also marked the first ODI century by an Indian batter at Lord's. Virat Kohli contributed an aggressive 74 off 60 deliveries, and together the experienced duo brought India back into contention.

However, after the dismissals of Rohit and Kohli, India's middle order failed to capitalise on the strong platform. Regular wickets in the closing stages disrupted the chase, and the visitors eventually finished on 360 for nine, falling 27 runs short of the target.

Sam Curran was England's standout bowler, claiming four crucial wickets to halt India's charge and seal victory for the hosts.

With the win, England clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1. India narrowly missed what would have been a record successful chase of 388, while Rohit Sharma's memorable century ultimately ended in a losing cause.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar