On Sunday, England clinched a thrilling 27-run win over India in the third and final ODI at Lord’s to take the series 2-1. It ran England’s record against the world’s number one-ranked side in ODIs to 10 wins from their last 11 attempts, and was their first bilateral ODI series victory against the world number one-ranked side since 2018.
Chasing a record 387 runs – England’s highest-ever ODI total at Lord’s, secured on the back of Ben Duckett’s century walk in a blistering 360/7 run chase from India.
Ben Duckett’s Record-Breaking Century Powers England
Ben Duckett slammed his way to an extravagant 141 runs from just 135 balls and it laid the foundation for a massive total from England. His knock was the highest score ever by an individual in an ODI at Lord’s, eclipsing the undefeated 138 scored by Viv Richards in what turned out to be his swansong in the 1979 World Cup final.
It was Duckett’s partnership of 192 runs with Jacob Bethell that saw England set the record for highest opening stand against India in ODI.
England’s Batting Highlights
The England top order came out with guns blazing to give India a major scare.
Key batting performances:
Ben Duckett: 141 (135)
Jacob Bethell: 91
Joe Root: 74* (sixth consecutive ODI fifty)
*Jos Buttler: 41 not out off 13 balls
Victory took the gloss off Duckett’s unbeaten century against the world’s best side – one of several positives for England, who have faced criticism over the past 12 months and hope this win is the start of producing performances more consistently.
Rohit Sharma Leads India’s Fightback
Rohit Sharma’s 34th century, coming from just 110 balls (138), gave India an excellent start in chase of a mammoth target of 388.
He added 147 for the opening wicket with Shubman Gill (77) to keep India in the chase at that stage.
But after Rohit was out of Bethell’s left-arm spin, India’s run-chase finally sputtered away.
England Bowlers Seal the Series
The England bowlers kept their cool in the face of India’s onslaught.
Bowling highlights:
Sam Curran: 4/75
It practically sealed India’s fate as Curran picked up three wickets in seven deliveries.
Rehan Ahmed, substitute fielder, has taken two very vital catches.
Harry Brook removed Virat Kohli (74) for his first half-century in ODI cricket at Lord’s.
India’s Bowling Struggles
India, playing without knee-injured Jasprit Bumrah and with an undercooked bowling line-up, were unable to contain hostilities from England’s run accumulation up top.
Notable figures included:
- Gurnoor Brar: 0/97 (most expensive ODI figures by an Indian bowler against England)
- Prince Yadav: 1/79, including seven wides
Shubman Gill Reflects on the Defeat
India captain Shubman Gill admitted that conceding too many runs at the end of England’s innings proved costly.
The visitors conceded some 60 runs in the last three overs, leaving England a target that ultimately proved out of reach, he added.
England Build Momentum as India End Difficult White-Ball Tour
The victory gives England valuable momentum ahead of future international assignments and highlights their batting depth and improved consistency.
For India, the defeat capped a disappointing white-ball tour, having also lost both their T20I series against Ireland and England.
Match Summary:
- England: 387/3 (50 overs)
- India: 360/7 (50 overs)
- Result: England won by 27 runs
- Series Result: England won the three-match ODI series 2-1