Rohit Sharma became the first Indian to hit a ODI hundred at Lord’s as India produced a spirited chase but ultimately fell 27 runs short as England secured a deserved victory in the series decider, sealing the ODI series after excelling in the key moments of the contest.
The match swung decisively in England’s favour during two crucial phases. First, the hosts unleashed a late assault with the bat, hammering 82 runs in the final five overs to post a formidable total. Later, Jacob Bethell’s disciplined spell in the middle overs proved decisive as the left-arm spinner conceded just 49 runs in seven overs after the 30th over and removed the dangerous Rohit Sharma at a critical juncture.
Chasing 388, India made an encouraging start through Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The opening pair matched England’s strong foundation by putting together a 147-run partnership for the first wicket, keeping the required rate under control.
Gill continued his fine form with a fluent 77 before being dismissed, but Rohit carried on unfazed. Under scrutiny amid growing questions over his future, the veteran opener responded in the best possible manner, compiling a magnificent century and anchoring India’s pursuit.
Rohit then combined with Virat Kohli for another century stand, ensuring India remained firmly in contention deep into the chase. The duo kept pace with the asking rate for much of the innings and appeared capable of taking India across the line.
However, England tightened the screws in the latter stages. Bethell’s economical spell halted India’s momentum, while regular wickets prevented the visitors from launching the decisive late charge they needed.
Despite Rohit’s heroic hundred and India’s determined effort, England held their nerve in the closing overs to complete a 27-run victory and claim the series, with their explosive finish with the bat and Bethell’s match-defining spell proving the difference between the two sides.
Earlier, England produced a batting masterclass piling up a formidable 387 after Harry Brook’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely.
The hosts made a flying start as openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell capitalised on an erratic spell with the new ball from India’s bowlers. Anything overpitched or short was punished, with the duo laying a rock-solid platform through an aggressive opening stand that put England firmly on top.
Bethell was the first to reach his half-century and looked set for a maiden ODI hundred before falling heartbreakingly short on 91. Duckett, however, carried on relentlessly, bringing up his fourth ODI century before producing a career-best knock of 141, his highest individual ODI score at Lord’s.
With the foundation firmly in place, Joe Root and Jos Buttler provided the finishing flourish. Root remained unbeaten on 74 off just 48 balls, extending his remarkable run of form with a sixth successive ODI fifty, while Buttler blasted an unbeaten 41 off 13 deliveries.
The duo unleashed a stunning late assault, hammering 62 runs from the final three overs as India’s bowlers endured a torrid evening, struggling for both control and breakthroughs. England eventually closed on an imposing 387, leaving India with a daunting chase to win the series.
