Ahh, just not meant to be. India kept fighting but England had different plans as Player of the Match Joe Root top scored with a great 99 not out which eventually helped hosts England win by four wickets at Cardiff, to level the series 1-1. It all goes down to the decider at Lords, as Shubman and co will be eager to turn the tide.

Kohli-Iyer half ton’s put India on top

Just when India was 104/2 in 17.5 overs, Virat Kohli put his hand up when the occasion demanded, blended his own class with composure and calculated shots in the middle, as he notched up a great half century. He eventually scored 65(66), aced with eight fours. He put India back on track with his trademark shots, piercing the gaps and targeting the English bowlers. This laid the foundation for the other batters to chip in with valuable contributions. Virat also stitched a 67 runs partnership along with Shreyas Iyer, before his attempted shot, which went for a top edge, was caught by Adil Rashid.

At the other end, Shreyas Iyer also stuck in there and waited for the balls in his arc. When required he smashed boundaries and rotated the strike in a well-planned manner. He let his bat do all the talking… in the process, made a good 66 runs, with five fours and two sixes before Gus Atkinson picked up his wicket.

Boom’s 13 balls unbeaten 20 adds value, later strikes on the first delivery

An impressive little cameo for our very own Jasprit Bumrah helped India edge past the 200 runs mark. His quick fire 20 not out came in just 13 balls along with three fours and one maximum. It was excellent to see him batting like this in the middle trying his best to add value with the bat too when India needed it the most.

The Men in Blue finished off with 233 all out in 44 overs, Archer picked 3/47 while Atkinson grabbed 3/50.  

Later JB snapped up the first wicket on the very first delivery during England’s batting show. Indeed, a dream start for India as Duckett went out on a golden duck, which was eventually caught by Ishan Kishan.

Ishan’s glovework at its finest

Ishan Kishan produced a flawless display behind the stumps, with his razor sharpness and reflexes. He pouched four catches with clean hands anticipating where the ball would finally land. His great glovework backed the bowlers brilliantly as he snapped up key catches of Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, skipper Harry Brook and Sam Curran, reducing England to 94/4 in 19.1 overs.

Root slams 99 not out, helps England win

Splendid with the bat, Joe Root got to his unbeaten 99, just one short of what would have been a terrific hundred. When wickets tumbled at one end, he held his guard and played fearless cricket. En route he smashed nine fours and ensured he remained till the end to help England cross the winning line. He also stitched a 72 runs stand with Will Jacks and 38 runs unbeaten partnership with Atkinson.

England won the contest by four wickets, 235/6 in 44.1 overs to level the series 1-1. Gurnoor Brar picked 2/67.

Brief Scores

India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65; Jofra Archer 3/47) lost to England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*; Gurnoor Brar 2/67) by four wickets.