A masterclass in chasing from veteran Joe Root and a clinical bowling display helped England bounce back in style, registering a comfortable four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday. The resounding win levels the three-match series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all blockbuster finale at Lord’s on Sunday.Opting to bowl first, England’s pace attack capitalized on the conditions to bundle India out for a modest 233 in 44 overs, triggering a spectacular mid-innings collapse.Earlier, India looked well-poised for a commanding total, coasting comfortably at 178 for 3 inside 32 overs. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71 balls) had laid a solid foundation, with the duo keeping the scoreboard ticking with authoritative strokeplay.However, England’s pacers struck back ruthlessly. Led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), the hosts triggered a batting slide that saw India lose their final seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to wag under constant pressure, and India were eventually folded up with six overs left unplayed.Chasing a modest 234, England’s top order faced some testing times against the moving ball and Both the openers fall inside first four overs with just eight runs on the board. India’s pacer Gurnoor Brar bowled with impressive fire, picking up 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former skipper played with ultimate composure, pacing the chase to perfection. As wickets tumbled around him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The pair navigated a tricky period, stitching together a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket to shift the momentum firmly back in England’s favor.After Jacks departed for 30 of 44, it was Gus Atkinson who saw England home alongside Root. The duo put on a rapid, unbroken 38-run partnership off just 25 deliveries. Atkinson played a breezy cameo of 23 not out from 16 balls, while Root, though cruelly stranded on a masterly 99 not out from 133 balls, anchored the chase brilliantly to the end.England overhauled the target to finish at 235 for 6, wrapping up the game with 35 balls to spare. With the scales now balanced after India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham, the series decider at Lord’s promises to be a thrilling affair.Brief 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)Result: England won by 4 wickets.
