England produced one of their finest one-day performances to defeat India by 27 runs at Lord’s, winning the three-match ODI series 2-1 after a thrilling finale packed with runs and memorable individual performances.
A sensational century from Ben Duckett laid the foundation for England’s highest-ever ODI total at the Home of Cricket, while the bowlers held their nerve to deny India despite a magnificent fightback led by Rohit Sharma.
Duckett and Bethell Give England the Perfect Start
After being asked to bat, England’s openers wasted no time taking control of the contest.
Ben Duckett played a superb knock of 141 off 135 balls, timing the ball beautifully throughout his innings and finding the boundary with remarkable consistency. He received excellent support from Jacob Bethell, who made a composed 91, as the pair shared a brilliant 192-run opening partnership.
Their stand gave England complete control and left India chasing the game from the very beginning.
Root and Buttler Finish in Style
Once the opening partnership ended, Joe Root continued the momentum with another classy innings.
The experienced batter remained unbeaten on 74 from just 48 deliveries, extending his outstanding run of form in ODI cricket. Captain Jos Buttler then provided the late fireworks, smashing 41 not out from only 13 balls to push England to a massive 387-3, the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord’s.
Rohit Sharma Leads India’s Fightback
India refused to surrender without a fight.
Veteran opener Rohit Sharma produced one of the best innings of the series, scoring a magnificent 138 off 110 balls. Alongside Shubman Gill, who added 77, Rohit kept India’s hopes alive with a fluent 147-run partnership.
As long as Rohit remained at the crease, England knew the contest was far from over.
England Hold Their Nerve
The turning point arrived when Rohit was dismissed in the closing stages of the chase, ending India’s strongest partnership.
Virat Kohli contributed a valuable 74, but England’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments to prevent India from building the momentum needed to complete the chase.
Sam Curran was England’s standout bowler, claiming four wickets as India eventually finished on 360-7.
Series Ends on a High for England
The victory secured England a 2-1 series win and capped an outstanding performance at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
With Duckett’s record-breaking century, Root’s calm finishing touch and Curran’s decisive spell, England completed a memorable victory that showcased both their batting depth and ability to deliver under pressure.
