London: England produced a dominant batting display to post a formidable 387/3 in the third and deciding ODI against India at Lord’s, leaving the visitors with a daunting chase to keep the series alive.
Opener Ben Duckett starred with a magnificent 141 off 135 balls, while Jacob Bethell struck 91 off 93 deliveries as the pair laid the foundation with a record-breaking 192-run opening partnership.
Duckett and Bethell dominate Indian bowlers
After being put in to bat, England’s openers took control from the outset, punishing India’s inexperienced pace attack with fluent stroke play. Duckett’s innings featured 18 fours and a six, while Bethell’s aggressive knock included 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Their 192-run stand became England’s highest partnership against India in ODIs, putting the hosts firmly in command.
Duckett also etched his name into the Lord’s record books by registering the highest individual ODI score at the iconic venue, surpassing Viv Richards’ unbeaten 138 in the 1979 World Cup final.
Root and Buttler provide explosive finish
After Bethell’s dismissal, Joe Root continued his rich vein of form with an unbeaten 71 off 48 balls, registering his sixth consecutive ODI half-century.
Captain Jos Buttler then unleashed a blistering assault, smashing an unbeaten 41 from just 13 deliveries, including three consecutive sixes, to propel England to the highest List A total ever recorded at Lord’s.
England scored 126 runs in the final 10 overs, with 82 coming in the last five overs, putting India’s bowlers under relentless pressure.
India missed the services of injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, while the inexperienced bowling attack struggled for consistency. Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets, but Gurnoor Brar endured a difficult outing, conceding 97 runs, the most expensive bowling figures in an ODI at Lord’s.
England’s imposing total left India needing a record chase to win the match and secure the three-match series.