England Beat India by 27 Runs to Clinch ODI Series 2-1 at Lord's
England emerged victorious in a thrilling run-fest at Lord's, defeating India by 27 runs in the third and deciding ODI to seal the three-match series 2-1. The match produced a staggering 747 runs, with Ben Duckett's record-breaking century and Sam Curran's late heroics proving decisive despite Rohit Sharma's magnificent hundred.
After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook elected to bat first on a batting-friendly surface. The decision paid immediate dividends as Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell stitched together a record 192-run opening partnership—the highest-ever stand by England against India in men's ODIs.
Duckett starred with a sensational 141 off 135 balls, striking 18 fours and a six to register the highest individual men's ODI score at Lord's, surpassing Sir Viv Richards' unbeaten 138 set in 1979. Bethell narrowly missed his maiden ODI century, scoring a fluent 91 from 90 deliveries.
Joe Root maintained his outstanding form with an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, while Jos Buttler smashed 41 not out from just 13 deliveries as England piled up 126 runs in the final 10 overs. The hosts finished with a record-breaking 387/3, the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord's, eclipsing the previous venue record of 334/4 set in the 1975 Cricket World Cup.
Chasing a daunting target of 388, India responded in style through Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who added 147 runs for the opening wicket. Gill scored an impressive 77 before Adil Rashid broke the partnership.
Rohit then produced a masterclass, smashing 138 off 110 balls with 17 boundaries and five sixes. His innings was historic as it became the first ODI century by an Indian batter at Lord's. Alongside Virat Kohli, who contributed a brisk 74 off 60 balls, Rohit kept India firmly in contention.
India appeared well-placed at 303/2, needing 84 runs from the final 39 deliveries. However, the match swung dramatically when Sam Curran produced a sensational spell, dismissing Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli in quick succession to derail the chase.
Despite a determined lower-order effort, India finished on 360/7, falling 27 runs short as England celebrated a memorable series-clinching victory.