IND vs ENG 2nd ODI Match Score: Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 and Gus Atkinson’s all-round heroics propel England to series win | Cricket news

England cruised to a four-wicket win over India, leveling the series at 1-1. Joe Root’s stellar innings of 99 not out was crucial as the Indian batsmen folded, falling to just 233 runs. (Photo/AP/PTI)

A masterclass in chasing from veteran Joe Root and a clinical bowling display helped England bounce back in style, registering a comfortable four-wicket win over India in the second ODI on Thursday. The emphatic victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a blockbuster winner-take-all final at Lord’s on Sunday.Opting to bowl first, England capitalized on the conditions with their fast attack to bundle India out for a modest 233 in 44 overs, sparking a spectacular mid-innings collapse.Earlier, India looked well set for a commanding total, comfortably holding on at 178 for 3 inside 32 overs. Half-centuries by Virat Kohli (65 from 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 from 71 balls) laid a solid foundation, and the duo kept the results on the scoreboard with an authoritative stroke play.However, the English pacers hit back mercilessly. Led by Jofro Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), the hosts launched a batting run that saw India lose their last seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to wag under constant pressure and India eventually gave up with six overs left unplayed.Chasing a modest 234, England’s top side faced some testing times against the moving ball and both openers fell inside the first four overs with just eight runs on the board. Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar bowled impressive fire, picking up 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former captain played with utmost composure, leading the chase to perfection. As the door revolved around him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The pair came through a tough spell, putting on a crucial 72-run sixth-wicket stand to swing the momentum firmly back in England’s favour.After Jacks departed for 30 off 44, it was Gus Atkinson who sent England home along with Root. The duo put on a quick, unbroken partnership of 38 runs off just 25 deliveries. Atkinson played a brilliant cameo of 23 not out from 16 balls, while Root, though cruelly stranded on a masterful 99 not out from 133 balls, brilliantly anchored the chase till the end.England changed their target and finished at 235 for 6, ending the match with 35 balls to spare. With the scales now balanced after India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham, the deciding series at Lord’s promises to be an exciting affair.Points for the letter:India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65; Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50)England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Will Jacks 30; Gurnoor Brar 2/67)Result: England won by 4 wickets.