The three-match ODI series between England and India erupted into a thrilling battle at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, July 16, 2026. With India arriving with a confident one-game lead, the second ODI delivered a high-stakes, seamer-friendly contest that ultimately leveled the series 1-1. While the night belonged to the host nation’s clinical composure, the match will be remembered for massive individual milestones on both sides.
Virat Kohli breaks Rahul Dravid’s record with historic ODI milestone in SENA nations
Opting to bowl first under testing overhead conditions, England’s disciplined pace attack frequently put the Indian batting lineup under immense strain. Early breakthroughs saw skipper Shubman Gill fall for 31 and Rohit Sharma depart after a hard-fought 26. With Ishan Kishan managing just a single run while filling in for an unwell KL Rahul, the responsibility to rebuild once again fell upon the shoulders of modern-day master Virat Kohli.
Kohli, now dedicating his legendary prowess exclusively to the 50-over format, orchestrated a vintage rescue act. Alongside a fluid Shreyas Iyer, Kohli compiled a crucial 65 off 66 balls. In doing so, he etched his name at the very pinnacle of Indian cricket history by registering his 30th ODI half-century across the challenging SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. This extraordinary achievement saw him overtake the legendary Rahul Dravid, who held the previous record with 29 SENA fifties.
With this milestone, Kohli further distances himself from iconic names like Sachin Tendulkar (25), MS Dhoni (24), and Mohammad Azharuddin (17). Furthermore, his standard-setting knock allowed him to equal Sir Viv Richards’ coveted tally of 14 scores of 50 or more against England in ODI cricket.
Despite a stellar 66 from Iyer, Kohli’s eventual dismissal to a fiery Jofra Archer triggered an aggressive collapse. India’s middle and lower orders folded cheaply under relentless pressure from Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50). A late, undefeated 20 from Jasprit Bumrah barely pushed the visitors to a final, below-par total of 233 in 44 overs.
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Joe Root falls one short of a century as England outclass India
Defending a modest target of 234, the Indian frontline bowlers threw everything at the English top order. A fiery opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah saw opener Ben Duckett dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball of the chase. When Prasidh Krishna removed Jacob Bethell shortly after to leave England reeling at 8 for 2, an Indian fightback looked well within reach.
However, Joe Root stood like an unshakeable wall. Weathering an initial, jittery phase where the ball moved prodigiously under the lights, the veteran masterfully anchored the innings. Root found essential support through calculated partnerships, first with Harry Brook (16) and later through a steady 26 from Sam Curran.
As the match edged towards its conclusion, Will Jacks chipped in with an important 30 off 44 deliveries, wearing down a tiring Indian bowling unit. Root orchestrated the remainder of the chase with precision, manipulating gaps to keep the required run-rate firmly under control.
In a bitter-sweet ending to a Player of the Match performance, Root was left agonizingly stranded on 99 not out from 133 balls. With just a few runs left to secure the victory, his batting partner Gus Atkinson (23*) struck the winning boundary to wrap up the match in 44.1 overs. Though denied a well-deserved international century, Root’s masterful knock comprehensively levelled the series for the hosts, setting up a blockbuster series finale at Lord’s on Sunday.
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