Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 guided England to a four-wicket win over India in Cardiff, levelling the one-day international series. His composed innings steadied a fragile chase after early wickets and demonstrated the value of patience in challenging batting conditions, with England reaching 235-6 with 5.5 overs remaining.

India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs despite Virat Kohli’s 65 and Shreyas Iyer’s 66, after England took their final seven wickets for 55 runs. Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson each took three wickets, while Root’s 133-ball innings ended one run short of a century when Atkinson struck the winning boundary. The deciding match will be played at Lord’s on Sunday.