England endured a disastrous start to their run chase against India in the second one-day international in Cardiff, losing both openers cheaply inside the opening overs. Ben Duckett was caught off the very first ball he faced, and Jacob Bethell followed soon after, leaving England reeling. The early breakthroughs put India firmly in control and piled pressure on the hosts as they attempted to reach a target of 234.

England slipped to 8-2 after just four overs in reply to India's total of 234, with India's bowlers making full use of the conditions to strike twice in quick succession. The wickets of Duckett and Bethell gave India the perfect start with the ball and left England needing to rebuild their innings from a precarious position early in the chase.