England Clinch Series Despite Rohits Century

England sealed the three-match ODI series 2-1 with a thrilling 27-run victory over India in the third and final ODI at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Sunday.

After being asked to bat first, the hosts piled up a record-breaking 387 for 3, the highest-ever team total in an ODI at Lord’s. In reply, despite a magnificent 138 from Rohit Sharma and half-centuries from Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, India fell short on 360 for 7.

England’s innings got off to a flying start as openers Ben Duckett and young all-rounder Jacob Bethell dominated from the outset. The pair put on a superb 192-run opening partnership. Duckett smashed 141 off 135 balls, featuring 18 fours and a six, while Bethell narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 91.

Joe Root then provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, while captain Jos Buttler blasted an unbeaten 41 off just 13 deliveries, powering England to 387 for 3 in their 50 overs. The total became the highest ODI score ever recorded at Lord’s.

Chasing a daunting target of 388, India made a dream start through captain Shubman Gill and former skipper Rohit Sharma. The duo added 147 runs for the opening wicket before Gill departed for 77 off 84 balls.

Rohit, however, continued his brilliant assault, producing a sensational 138 off 110 deliveries, including 17 fours and five sixes. His knock became the highest individual ODI score by an Indian batter at Lord’s. It was also his 34th ODI century and kept India firmly in the hunt. Virat Kohli provided excellent support with a fluent 74 off 60 balls.

At one stage, India looked well on course at 260 for 2. However, the game turned dramatically in the 39th over when Rohit was bowled by Jacob Bethell.

England’s pace spearhead Sam Curran then triggered a dramatic collapse, removing Ishan Kishan (14), Shreyas Iyer (0), KL Rahul (12) and Axar Patel (2) as India’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Curran finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 75 to guide England to a memorable series-clinching victory.

In a historic contest that produced a combined total of 747 runs, England’s rising star Jacob Bethell was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring 91 runs and claiming the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma.