Rohit Sharma smashed a record 138, the first ODI century by an Indian at Lord’s, but England held their nerve to register a 27-run victory and clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1, thanks to Sam Curran’s four wickets and Jacob Bethell’s decisive spell
Published Date – 20 July 2026, 12:08 AM
London: Rohit Sharma’s magnificent 138, the first ODI century by an Indian batter at Lord’s, went in vain as England defeated India by 27 runs in a high-scoring thriller to clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1 on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting target of 388, India mounted a spirited challenge but eventually finished at 360/7 as England executed a disciplined death-bowling display to seal a deserved victory. Apart from Rohit’s 138, which included 17 fours and five sixes, skipper Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli scored 77 and 74 respectively.
The key difference between the two sides was England’s explosive finish with the bat, as they plundered 82 runs in the final five overs, with Jos Buttler smashing 41 off just 13 balls. Young Jacob Bethell also played a decisive role with both bat and ball.
Bethell turned the match on its head with his economical left-arm spin, conceding just 49 runs in seven overs while dismissing Rohit. India slipped from a commanding 260/1 to 329/7. Sam Curran complemented him brilliantly, using clever slower deliveries to finish with figures of 4/75.
India’s chase began cautiously against Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. Gill recovered from an early blow on his right arm to strike some elegant boundaries, while Rohit gradually found his rhythm before launching an aggressive assault on Josh Tongue.
The opening pair added 147 runs, with Gill making a fluent 77 before falling lbw to Adil Rashid. Kohli then joined Rohit to keep India in the hunt.
Rohit reached his 34th ODI century off just 85 balls with a dominant display against both pace and spin. His 138 also became the highest individual ODI score by an Indian batter against England in England.
However, Bethell provided the breakthrough by bowling Rohit after the opener attempted a sweep. The Lord’s crowd gave the Indian captain a standing ovation as he walked back.
Kohli completed a well-made 74, but Curran dismissed Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession before removing Kohli, effectively ending India’s hopes.
Brief scores: England 387/3 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett 141, Jacob Bethell 91; Prasidh Krishna 2/69, Prince Yadav 1/79) beat India 360/7 in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 138, Shubman Gill 77, Virat Kohli 74; Sam Curran 4/75, Jacob Bethell 1/49) by 27 runs.
