India’s hopes of pulling off a memorable chase at Lord’s faded despite a brilliant century from Rohit Sharma, as England secured a 28-run victory to seal the ODI series 2-1 after successfully defending a daunting target of 388 on Sunday.
For a brief period, India appeared capable of producing a chase reminiscent of its famous triumph in the 2002 NatWest Series final. Rohit led the charge with a magnificent 138 off 110 balls, featuring 17 fours and five sixes. His knock not only marked a return to form but also made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s.
Virat Kohli added 74 from 60 deliveries to keep India in the contest, and the visitors remained in the hunt until the 42nd over, needing 93 runs with eight wickets in hand. However, England regained control through disciplined bowling from part-time spinner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Curran. Bethell dismissed Rohit after rattling his stumps, while Curran claimed four wickets by varying his pace and making run-scoring increasingly difficult.
England also found crucial support in substitute fielder Rehan Ahmed, who produced two outstanding catches under the afternoon sun to dismiss Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer at pivotal moments.
Earlier, England dominated after choosing to bat first. India’s bowling attack was weakened by the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the match due to “reactive swelling in his left knee” following an injury in the second ODI, while Shivam Dube also sat out. Prince Yadav and Arshdeep Singh came into the side, and K.L. Rahul replaced Washington Sundar, leaving India with just five specialist bowlers.
Openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell capitalised on the conditions with a record 192-run opening partnership at Lord’s. Duckett struck a superb 141 off 135 balls, surpassing Viv Richards’ unbeaten 138 in the 1979 World Cup final to register the highest individual ODI score at the venue. Bethell contributed an impressive 91 off 93 deliveries, reaching his half-century in just 51 balls.
Joe Root then provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 74 from 48 balls, while Jos Buttler smashed an unbeaten 41 off only 13 deliveries. Their unbroken 63-run partnership from just 19 balls lifted England to 387, the highest List-A total ever recorded at Lord’s, laying the platform for a series-clinching victory.
