A technical victory against veteran Joe Root and a bowling display helped England bounce back in style, registering a comfortable four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday. The impressive victory leveled the three-match series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all final at Lord’s on Sunday.Electing to bowl first, England’s attack took India’s form to concede 233 in 44 overs, leading to a collapse in the middle order.Earlier, India looked set to dominate, cruising to 178 for 3 inside 32 overs. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71 balls) laid a solid foundation, the duo keeping the scoreboard and playing legitimately.However, England’s runners returned mercilessly. Led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), the hosts launched a batting campaign that saw India lose their last seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to swing under constant pressure, and India were eventually bowled with six overs left to play.Chasing a modest 234, England’s top order faced trying times with the moving ball and both openers fell within the first four overs with just eight runs on the board. Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar fired with impressive fire, picking up 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former captain played it cool, chasing the chase to perfection. As the wickets circled him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The pair went through a tough time, stringing together a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket to restore England’s momentum.After Jacks departed for 30 off 44, it was Gus Atkinson who saw England home alongside Root. The pair put on a quick, unbroken partnership of 38 in just 25 runs. Atkinson played a breezy 23 not out from 16 balls, while Root, despite a brutal collapse on 99 not out from 133 balls, held on to the run in a remarkable manner until the end.England added the target to finish on 235 for 6, ending the match with 35 balls to spare. With the scales now a six-wicket win for India in Birmingham, the series selection at Lord’s promises to be an interesting story.Summary Scores:India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65; Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50)England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Will Jacks 30; Gurnoor Brar 2/67)Results: England won by four wickets.
