England edge high-scoring decider to take series 2-1
England secured a one-day international series victory over India, winning the deciding match at Lord’s by 27 runs in a contest that produced a combined 747 runs. The hosts posted 387-3, their highest ODI total at the ground, before restricting India to 360-7 to close out the three-match series 2-1.
The platform for England’s total was a commanding opening stand worth 192 between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell. Duckett top-scored with 141 from 135 deliveries, while Bethell contributed 91 at almost a run a ball. According to Cricinfo, the stand was England’s highest partnership, for any wicket, against India in men’s ODIs.
Middle-order acceleration seals imposing total
With the foundations in place, Joe Root and Jos Buttler added rapid late runs. Root finished 74 not out from 48 balls, while Buttler smashed 41 not out off 13 with four fours and three sixes to take England beyond previous ODI scoring marks at the venue. The innings ensured India faced a steep chase despite the favourable surface and short boundaries typical of a high-scoring day.
India respond strongly but fall short
India’s pursuit began in stride as Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill shared 147 before the halfway stage. Sharma’s 138 was notable as he became the first India player to make an ODI hundred at Lord’s in men’s cricket. Virat Kohli added 74 from 60 balls with three sixes, but the required rate proved stubborn. England captain Harry Brook turned to Bethell in the 39th over, a move that shifted momentum at 260-2. Earlier, Sharma had survived a thick edge off Gus Atkinson, then found rhythm with boundaries off Josh Tongue and a trademark pull off Sam Curran.
England’s bowlers closed out the task with timely wickets. Sam Curran was the most successful, taking 4-75, including two in the 44th over to stall India’s late charge. Despite India’s strong top-order contributions, wickets at key moments blunted the chase.
Series context and summer campaign
The result marked England’s first bilateral ODI series win over India since 2018. The hosts had lost the opener at Edgbaston, levelled matters in Cardiff where Root made an unbeaten 99, and then carried that momentum into the decider at Lord’s. The ODI success followed a 4-0 victory in the preceding T20 series between the sides, leaving Brook’s team with five wins from six white-ball matches this summer and offering a lift to head coach Brendon McCullum, who lost his Test job this month.
Key numbers at a glance
| Team | Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| England | 387-3 | Won by 27 runs |
| India | 360-7 | Series lost 2-1 |
| Top performers | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Ben Duckett | 141 (135) |
| Jacob Bethell | 91; part of 192-run stand |
| Joe Root | 74* (48) |
| Jos Buttler | 41* (13), 4x4, 3x6 |
| Rohit Sharma | 138; first India men's ODI ton at Lord’s |
| Shubman Gill | 77 |
| Virat Kohli | 74 (60), three sixes |
| Sam Curran | 4-75, two wickets in the 44th over |
What it means
- England reclaim a bilateral ODI series win over India for the first time since 2018.
- Duckett and Bethell’s 192 sets a new England benchmark against India in men’s ODIs.
- England register their highest ODI total at Lord’s.
For followers of the game across the East Midlands, the contest offered a measure of where England’s white-ball side stands midway through the summer: confident at the top, explosive in the middle order and with enough control at the death to survive a heavyweight reply. India’s top three pressed hard, but England’s scoring rate and late-innings precision proved decisive.
