2nd ODI: India stumble despite Kohli, Iyer fifties; England to chase 234 target in Cardiff
Cardiff, July 16
Despite fifties from Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli, a bowling masterclass from England's bowlers restricted India to just 233 in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday.
It was not the most assured batting performance from the Men in Blue, who struggled to build momentum. England now needs 234 runs to level the series and force a decider in the third and final ODI.
India posted 233 in 44 overs after England opted to bowl first. The visitors recovered from a mid-innings wobble through a composed half-century from Shreyas Iyer, but England's pace attack kept India from building a bigger total.
India began cautiously on a pitch that offered assistance to the seamers. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 26 runs, while captain Shubman Gill contributed 31 runs before England struck back.
Ishan Kishan, who replaced the unwell KL Rahul in the playing XI, also failed to make an impact and was dismissed for just one run.
Kohli and Iyer then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Kohli played a fluent knock of 65 runs, but his dismissal triggered a period of pressure for India.
Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar struggled to get going, with all three failing to reach double figures as England's bowlers maintained pressure on India.
Iyer anchored the innings with a fighting 66 off 71 balls. He found support from the lower order, with Jasprit Bumrah adding a valuable unbeaten 20-run cameo towards the end.
England's bowling attack responded strongly, with their fast bowlers making regular breakthroughs.
Jofra Archer was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets in his 10-over spell and removing the key wicket of Kohli. Saqib Mahmood impressed on his return to the side, taking 2 wickets, while Gus Atkinson also chipped in with three wickets.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an England fan, I'm cautiously optimistic. Archer is back to his best, and bowling out India for 233 is a huge plus. But never count Kohli out - if he plays a long innings, 234 can be tricky. Should be a good chase.
Iyer's 66 was brilliant but the rest of the batting let the team down. Why is Kishan even playing? He's been out of form for months. And Sundar should have been used higher up the order. Bumrah's 20 at the end showed what we missed from the specialists. Really need to rethink the batting order for the next game.
England's bowling depth is insane. Archer, Mahmood, Atkinson - all bowling 145+ kph and hitting the right lengths. India's top order needs to be more patient early on. 234 is gettable but England's batting line-up is just as strong. Should be a thriller. 🏏
Honestly, Kohli's 65 was beautiful but he needs to convert these into big hundreds. We keep getting stuck in the 220-240 range because no one builds on starts. Our bowling attack can defend this if Bumrah and Siraj are on song. Come on India! 🇮🇳
Disappointing batting display. England outbowled us on a good track. Iyer showed composure but the lower-middle order is a concern. Hope the bowlers can step up and defend this. Otherwise, series decider will be tough.
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