The second match of the three-match ODI series between India and England was played on July 16 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where hosts England defeated India by 4 wickets to level the series 1-1. England achieved India's target of 234 runs in 44.1 overs for the loss of six wickets. Veteran batsman Joe Root led the team to victory with a match-winning unbeaten 99 off 133 balls. The series will now be decided in the third and final ODI to be played at Lord's on July 19.

India scored 233 runs thanks to half-centuries from Virat and Shreyas

After electing to bat first, India had a steady start, but failed to build big partnerships. Shubman Gill contributed 31 runs, while captain Rohit Sharma contributed 26 runs. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for just 1 run.

In the middle order, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings. Virat Kohli scored a crucial 65, his 14th 50-plus score in ODI cricket against England, while Shreyas Iyer added 66. However, India lost wickets in quick succession in the final overs. Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Gurnur Brar, and Prasidh Krishna were dismissed cheaply. Jasprit Bumrah remained unbeaten on 20, leaving India to score only 233 runs in 50 overs.

Joe Root Steers England's Innings

Chasing a target of 234, England got off to a poor start. Jasprit Bumrah gave India a solid start by dismissing Ben Duckett off the very first ball. Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, and Sam Curran then departed in quick succession, putting England under pressure.

At this point, Joe Root held one end and, with restrained batting, steadied the innings. He shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Will Jacks (30). Gus Atkinson later made a useful contribution of 23. Root remained unbeaten until the end, scoring a brilliant 99 to guide England to a 4-wicket win.

Bowlers Provide Early Breakthroughs, But India Fail to Maintain Pressure

Indian bowlers put England under pressure with early blows, but were unable to sustain the pressure in the face of Joe Root's patient batting. Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnur Brar, Shivam Dubey, and Axar Patel each took one wicket for India.

For England, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson took three wickets each. Saqib Mahmood took two wickets, while Sam Curran and Will Jacks took one wicket each. India's relatively low total proved an easy target for England to chase.

The series decider will be played at Lord's

The three-match ODI series is now tied at 1-1. India won the first match, while England made a remarkable comeback in the second ODI. The decisive and final match of the series between the two teams will now be played on July 19th at the historic Lord's ground in London. The winner of this match will win the series, making this match extremely important for both teams.