Joe Root Delivers Match-Winning 99 Not Out vs India in Second ODI

Joe Root delivered a match-winning 99 not out from 133 balls to help England level the series against India in the second ODI on Thursday, 16 July 2026.

What happened?

Joe Root strode out with England in trouble at 0-1, chasing 234 on a tricky surface in Cardiff. He remained unflappable as the team slipped to 53-3 and 125-5, before going on to hit a victory-securing 99 not out from 133 balls.

Why it matters for Joe Root

The 35-year-old has now scored 286 runs in his last three ODI innings without being dismissed, following knocks of 111 not out in Sri Lanka in January and an unbeaten 76 in the six-wicket defeat to India in Tuesday's series opener at Edgbaston. Root has passed fifty in each of his last five ODIs, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

What comes next?

The series is now tied 1-1, with the decider set to take place at Lord's on Sunday. England will be looking to build on Root's match-winning innings and secure a series victory, while India will be determined to bounce back and take the series.

Joe Root's innings was a masterclass in how to pace a chase when the run rate is not a concern. He was on four from 21 balls amid the India bowling barrage before getting into his groove and hitting just nine fours in total. Captain Harry Brook praised Root's performance, saying: "He is a phenomenal player. You can learn so much off him, in the changing room as well. He is a great bloke to have around."

Root has now passed 286 runs across his last three ODI innings without being dismissed, following knocks of 111 not out in Sri Lanka in January and an unbeaten 76 in the six-wicket defeat to India in Tuesday's series opener at Edgbaston. The 35-year-old has passed fifty in each of his last five ODIs, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

Sky Sports' Mark Butcher said: "Over the course of a long stretch of time, Root has been in batting line-ups that have lived up to expectations or fallen short. At the moment, in both Test and ODI cricket, he is holding the fort almost by himself. You wonder at times whether some of the players around him are learning that lesson about valuing their wicket."

Root's performance has been a key factor in England's success in the series so far, and he will be looking to continue his good form in the decider at Lord's on Sunday. The series is now tied 1-1, with the decider set to take place on Sunday, 18 July 2026.

What's next for Joe Root?

The decider is set to take place at Lord's on Sunday, with England looking to build on Root's match-winning innings and secure a series victory. Root will be looking to continue his good form and help England take the series.