England defeated India by 27 runs in a thrilling one-day international series decider at Lord's, securing a 2-1 series victory. The high-scoring encounter saw England post a mammoth 387 for 3, their highest List A total at the venue and their highest ODI total against India, before restricting India to 360 for 7. This marks England's first ODI series win against India since 2018, and only their eighth overall in 22 attempts.
The foundation of England's formidable total was laid by Ben Duckett, who smashed a brutal 141 runs, marking his fourth ODI hundred and setting a new record for the highest individual ODI score at Lord's. Duckett's century came rapidly, with his second fifty to three figures taking just 44 balls compared to 64 for his first. He shared a record-breaking 192-run opening partnership with Jacob Bethell, which stands as England's highest for any wicket against India. Bethell, a 22-year-old left-hander, contributed a graceful 91 runs, his seventh fifty-plus score, before being caught by Rohit Sharma off Prasidh Krishna. His innings, which included two sixes and eleven fours, felt like a tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away on Friday at 89, and had previously helped Bethell secure a place at Rugby School.
England's innings received a crucial late surge from Joe Root and Jos Buttler. Root finished unbeaten on a classy 74 off 48 deliveries, marking his sixth consecutive ODI fifty. Buttler, in devastating form, hammered 41 runs from just 13 balls, his highest score in eight innings, including a sequence of three sixes across four deliveries. Together, Root and Buttler added 63 of the 82 runs scored in the final five overs, pushing the target out of India's reach.
In response, India's chase was spearheaded by captain Rohit Sharma, who blazed 138 runs for his 34th ODI century. This historic knock made him the first Indian man to strike an ODI century at Lord's, and his eighth in England. Rohit combined with Shubman Gill for a 147-run stand, with Gill contributing a crisp 77 runs before being dismissed leg before wicket by Adil Rashid. Virat Kohli also played a significant innings, scoring 74 runs, his 133rd score of fifty or more, and his first fifty at Lord's in any format.
However, India's momentum faltered in the crucial death overs. Sam Curran proved instrumental for England, removing Kohli when India needed 110 from 54 deliveries. Kohli skewed a high shot into the hands of Brook at extra cover. Curran, who finished with four wickets for 75 runs from his 10 overs, also dismissed Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession. India's bowling attack had been hampered by injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah (knee) and Washington Sundar (hamstring) both sidelined since the second ODI in Cardiff. KL Rahul returned from illness, while Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav were brought into the squad. India's quicks struggled, particularly in the final flurry of England's innings, which saw 94 runs scored from the last 39 deliveries after Duckett's dismissal, while Axar was the most economical Indian bowler at 6.1 an over. A DRS review for Rohit's potential LBW on 128 had earlier resulted in an umpire's call.
Despite Rohit's valiant effort, which included 88 runs from his last 60 deliveries and six fence-clearing strikes, his dismissal for 138 by left-arm spinner Axar, who shattered his stumps, was a decisive moment. With Kohli's subsequent departure, India's challenge faded, ultimately falling short by 27 runs. All-rounder Sam Curran's big-game temperament has further fueled discussions about his potential as a white-ball captain, while Brendon McCullum, now solely focused on limited-overs coaching, has overseen T20I and ODI series wins against top white-ball teams.
