England won by 4 wickets with 35 balls remaining, and Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 was the defining performance in a composed chase that squared the ODI leg of the India tour of England 2026 at 1-1. Root held the innings together after England’s top order wobbled, steering the hosts to 235/6 in 44.1 overs after India were dismissed for 233.

The result ensured this eight-match tour will need the final ODI on Sunday to decide the 50-over honours. England had already dominated the T20I leg, winning four of the five completed matches after the opener was washed out, but India had struck back in the first ODI on July 14 by 6 wickets with 28 balls to spare. This response from England was timely and clinical.

India post 233 but leave the door open

India’s 233 in 44 overs was built around two substantial contributions in the middle order. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 66, while Virat Kohli made 65 and Shubman Gill added 31. The platform was respectable without ever becoming imposing, and England’s attack kept dragging the innings back at important stages.

Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson shared the main damage with 3 wickets each, while Saqib Mahmood picked up 2. That spread of wickets mattered. Whenever India looked set for a launch, England found a breakthrough and prevented the innings from stretching into the 260-plus range that had seemed within reach while Iyer and Kohli were together.

On a surface where timing and discipline counted more than all-out aggression, England’s seamers asked enough questions to make 233 feel chaseable. India’s batting card featured three useful scores, but none could convert into the sort of innings that completely took the match away.

Root anchors the chase after early movement

England’s pursuit was shaped by Root’s control. He finished on 99 not out, a knock that underlined why he remains the side’s calming force in this format as well. While others moved in and out, Root measured the target expertly, rotating strike, managing the asking rate and ensuring England never lost touch with the chase.

Will Jacks contributed 30, and Sam Curran’s 26 helped England through the middle and back end of the innings. Those supporting hands were important because India did create moments. Gurnoor Brar took 2 wickets, while Shivam Dube and Axar Patel claimed 1 each, but Root’s presence meant England were always one partnership away from regaining control.

The late stages became an exercise in composure rather than panic. Root resisted the temptation to overhit, trusted the chase, and took England home in 44.1 overs. He fell one short of a century, but the match-winning value of the innings was beyond dispute.

Key performers

  • Joe Root (England): 99* – the match-winning anchor in a chase of 234.
  • Shreyas Iyer (India): 66 – India’s top score in a total of 233.
  • Virat Kohli (India): 65 – another major contribution in the heart of the innings.
  • Jofra Archer (England): 3 wickets – struck key blows to restrict India.
  • Gus Atkinson (England): 3 wickets – matched Archer’s impact in the first innings.
  • Saqib Mahmood (England): 2 wickets – helped close out India’s innings.
  • Gurnoor Brar (India): 2 wickets – gave India some hope during the chase.

NerdSports Stat: England’s five completed wins on this tour have now come by 4 wickets, 125 runs, 9 wickets, 56 runs and 4 wickets – a striking spread that shows they have beaten India in both dominant and pressure chases.

Series picture

This result levels the ODI series at 1-1 and sets up a straight shootout in the final match on Sunday, July 19. Given how one-sided the T20Is were in England’s favour and how India answered in the first ODI, this was an important reminder that the 50-over contests have been far more competitive.

For England, Root’s unbeaten 99 provided the headline and the reassurance. For India, the concern will be that solid starts from senior batters did not become a match-defining total. With one ODI left, both sides still have the chance to close the tour’s white-ball phase with momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between England and India?

England won the match by 4 wickets with 35 balls remaining.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Joe Root was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 99 in England’s successful chase.

What is the series standing after this match?

The ODI series in the India tour of England 2026 is level at 1-1 after two matches.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Joe Root top-scored with 99 not out off 0 balls.

When is the next match in the series?

The next match is the final ODI between England and India on Sunday, July 19.