Joe Root powers England’s chase with Sam Curran after India wicket

Joe Root and Sam Curran drag England back into the chase after Dube strike

Joe Root and Sam Curran rebuilt England’s innings after Shivam Dube’s wicket threatened to derail their chase of 180 against India in the second T20 International on 16 July 2026. The pair added 48 in 34 balls to steady the ship at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

What happened in Bengaluru?

England needed 180 to win after India posted 179 for 4 in 20 overs. Dube removed Curran for 26 in the 15th over, leaving Root to anchor the reply alongside Liam Livingstone. Root brought up his half-century off 36 balls, while Curran’s cameo kept the required rate below 10 an over. The stand was broken at 74, but England still needed 63 off 30 when the ninth wicket fell.

Why it matters for Joe Root

Root’s presence at the crease under pressure keeps England’s hopes alive in a series they trail 0-1. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries keeps the asking rate in check, while his experience in tight chases-now 12 wins from 20 T20Is as captain-adds calm to the dressing room. The 35-year-old has now made 14 fifties in T20Is, the most by any England batter.

What comes next?

England still need 63 off 30 when the ninth wicket fell, with Harry Brook and Jos Buttler next in the order. A finish within reach would hand them a lifeline in a series they’re already staring down 0-1. India, meanwhile, will look to close out the game with their spinners-Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel-waiting in the wings.