![Joe Root against India [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784228487734_JoeRoot (1).jpg)
Joe Root against India [Source: AFP]
Joe Root simply loves making history. Time and again, the England batting maestro has turned memorable innings into record-breaking milestones, and he did it once again during 2nd ODI against India at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Friday (July 17).
Chasing a target of 234, England suffered an early setback after losing both openers cheaply. Ben Duckett departed without scoring, while Jacob Bethell managed 4 runs, leaving the hosts under pressure.
However, Joe Root walked in at no 3 with confidence and immediately brought stability to the innings. The veteran first stitched together an important partnership with Harry Brook before adding another valuable stand alongside Sam Curran to keep England's chase on track.
Joe Root Equals Kevin Pietersen's Elite Record
In the process, Root reached his 47th ODI half-century and, more importantly, his fifth successive 50-plus score in the format.
Furthermore, the fifty helped him equal Kevin Pietersen's long-standing record for the most 50-plus scores by an England batter against India in ODIs. Both legends now have nine such scores against the Men in Blue.
Most 50+ Scores for England vs India in ODIs
- 9 – Kevin Pietersen, Joe Root*
- 8 – Ian Bell
- 7 – Alastair Cook
- 6 – Paul Collingwood
In addition to matching Pietersen's record, Root also strengthened his position as the batter with the most 50-plus scores in ODIs since 2025. Noably, his outstanding consistency has seen him move ahead of New Zealand's star Daryl Mitchell and India's legend Virat Kohli on the elite list.
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Most 50+ Scores in ODIs Since 2025
- 12 – Joe Root (England)*
- 11 – Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
- 10 – Virat Kohli (India)
Joe Root's Brilliant Form Continues In ODIs
Although Root is widely regarded as one of the finest Test batters of his generation, he has been equally impressive in ODIs this year.
Earlier in the IND vs ENG series, he played a fluent knock of 76 off 76 balls in the opening ODI. Before facing India, Root also enjoyed a prolific series against Sri Lanka, where he amassed 247 runs in 3 innings at a staggering average of 123.50 and a strike rate of 85.76.
India Post 233 Despite Shreyas Iyer's Fight
Coming back to Cardiff, India were restricted to 233 after England produced a disciplined bowling performance. Openers Shubman Gill (31) and Rohit Sharma (26) provided a steady start, but Ishan Kishan was dismissed for just one.
Subsequently, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership before Jofra Archer removed Kohli at a key moment. Thereafter, India suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse as Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar failed to make meaningful contributions.
Nevertheless, Iyer stood firm with a composed 66 off 71 deliveries, while Jasprit Bumrah's unbeaten 20 ensured India crossed the 230-run mark.
For England, Archer starred with figures of 3/42, while Gus Atkinson also claimed three wickets. Saqib Mahmood chipped in with 2 scalps.
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