Rohit Sharma scripted history with the first ODI century by an Indian batter at Lord’s, but England produced a clinical all-round performance to register a 27-run victory in the third ODI. Chasing a daunting target of 388, India fought hard through Rohit’s brilliant 138 but eventually finished on 360/7 as the hosts clinched the series decider.

England’s top order sets up massive total

Opting to bat first, England’s opening pair of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell laid the perfect foundation with a stunning 192-run partnership. Duckett led the charge with 141 off 135 balls, while Bethell contributed 91 from 93 deliveries. Joe Root then shifted gears with an unbeaten 74 off just 48 balls before Jos Buttler’s explosive 41 not out from 13 deliveries powered England to a formidable 387/3 in 50 overs.

India’s bowlers found little assistance throughout the innings. Prasidh Krishna was the most successful with figures of 2/69, while Prince Yadav picked up one wicket. England’s middle order ensured there was no slowdown, adding quick runs in the final overs to leave India with a record chase.

Sam Curran seals England’s win

India began positively as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stitched together a 147-run opening partnership. Gill scored a composed 77 before Rohit continued the assault, reaching a historic century to become the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s. His 138 came off 110 balls and included 17 fours and five sixes, answering the retirement speculation surrounding him in emphatic fashion.

Virat Kohli kept India firmly in the contest with a fluent 74 off 60 balls, adding 113 runs alongside Rohit for the second wicket. At 260/2, India looked well placed to threaten England’s total.

The turning point came when Jacob Bethell dismissed Rohit in the 39th over. From there, Sam Curran produced a match-winning spell, striking at regular intervals to derail India’s chase. The left-arm all-rounder removed Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Axar Patel to finish with impressive figures of 4/75, ensuring England regained complete control. Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Bethell chipped in with one wicket each as India lost momentum in the closing overs.

Despite late resistance from Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh, India finished on 360/7, handing England a memorable 27-run victory. The match also produced a unique record, with England and India’s opening pairs combining for 447 runs, the highest aggregate by opening batters in an ODI.