New Delhi, June 2 – England clinched the three-match ODI series against West Indies with a 3-wicket victory in the second One Day International on Sunday at Cardiff, powered by a magnificent unbeaten century from Joe Root. The victory gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Joe Root’s 18th ODI Century Anchors England’s Chase
In a vintage display of composure and technique, Joe Root scored an unbeaten 166 off 139 balls, guiding England to a successful chase of 309 with seven balls to spare. His innings came at a crucial time after England lost both openers — Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett — for just 2 runs.
Skipper Harry Brook (47) and Root began the recovery before Will Jacks (49) joined Root for a match-defining 143-run partnership. With wickets tumbling at the other end, Root stood firm and steered England home alongside Adil Rashid, who finished unbeaten on 10.
Carty’s Century and Rashid’s Brilliance
Earlier, West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first but were pegged back early when 18-year-old opener Jewel Andrew fell for a duck. Brandon King (59) and Keacy Carty stitched a solid 141-run stand to revive the innings. Carty went on to register his fourth ODI century, scoring 103, though he was twice dropped early in his innings.
England’s experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 63 runs and breaking West Indies’ momentum at key junctures. The Caribbean side was bowled out for 308 in 47.4 overs.
Root Creates History With ODI Milestones
With his 18th ODI century, Root not only became England’s all-time leading run-scorer in One Day Internationals — surpassing former captain Eoin Morgan — but also crossed the landmark of 7,000 ODI runs. His innings is being hailed as one of his finest under pressure, rescuing England from a precarious position at 6/225.
Series Sealed, Focus Shifts to Final ODI
With the series already sealed, England will look to complete a clean sweep when the two sides meet in the third and final ODI at The Oval, London, on Tuesday. For the West Indies, it’s an opportunity to restore pride and test their bench strength ahead of the upcoming ICC events.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
