India lose third ODI by 27 runs; England win series 2-1
London: Rohit Sharma’s sparkling century went in vain as England defeated India by 27 runs in the third and final ODI at Lord’s on Sunday to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
Chasing a daunting 388, India finished on 360 for seven despite Rohit’s superb 138 off 110 balls, studded with 17 fours and five sixes. Skipper Shubman Gill (77) and Virat Kohli (74) also struck fluent half-centuries, but Sam Curran’s clever variations at the death fetched him figures of 4/75 and derailed India’s chase.
Earlier, Ben Duckett produced a brilliant 141 to anchor England’s imposing 387 for three after the hosts were put into bat. Duckett and Jacob Bethell (91) shared a commanding 192-run opening partnership, putting the Indian attack under sustained pressure.
Joe Root continued his rich vein of form with an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, while Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 41 off 13 deliveries ensured England finished strongly.
India sorely missed pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was unavailable because of an impact injury to his left knee. The inexperienced pace attack struggled for consistency as England capitalised, with only Prasidh Krishna managing two wickets.
