Joe Root masterclass helps England script 3-wicket win, take 2-0 series lead vs WI
Star English batter Joe Root produced a sublime batting display to guide England to a three-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second One-Day International at Sophia Gardens on Sunday. Root's sensational unbeaten 166-run knock anchored a tense run chase as England successfully overhauled a challenging 309-run target to seal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Root did enjoy a slice of fortune early in his innings. The England batter survived what appeared to be a fairly straightforward LBW appeal, which umpire Adrian Holdstock turned down, and he also benefited from a couple of tight run-out chances that went his way. But once he settled, Root was majestic. His career-best unbeaten 166, laced with 21 fours and two sixes, was a commanding exhibition of control, timing, and composure under pressure.advertisementEngland vs West Indies 2nd ODI: HIGHLIGHTS
England's pursuit got off to a disastrous start as openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett were dismissed for ducks. Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde struck early, reducing the hosts to nought for two and handing the early initiative to the West Indies. Captain Harry Brook led a spirited counterattack, playing fluently as he attempted to steady the ship.At the other end, Root adopted a measured approach, taking his time to settle in. Just as Brook looked poised to reach a half-century, Alzarri Joseph removed him with a well-directed short ball for 44 in the 12th over. The West Indies pacer struck again two overs later, dismissing Jos Buttler for a duck and leaving England in deep trouble at 56 for four.Root, however, remained unflustered. He found a willing partner in Jacob Bethell as the pair sought to rebuild. Root reached his second fifty of the series with a mixture of calm rotation and assertive strokeplay. Bethell, though, could not convert his start and was dismissed against the run of play by Roston Chase for 17 off 28 deliveries - a setback that once more tilted the balance in the visitors' favour.advertisementWith wickets tumbling around him, Root held firm. The West Indies' spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Chase struggled to maintain consistent pressure, offering too many scoring opportunities. Root took full advantage, rotating the strike effectively and dispatching the loose deliveries. He soon brought up his 18th ODI hundred - an innings that underscored his value in England's middle order, particularly in high-pressure situations.An absolutely MONSTROUS knock from the GOAT gets us over the line in Cardiff pic.twitter.com/DPkwFw4oSl— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 1, 2025At the other end, Will Jacks offered composed support. Batting with maturity, he focused on building a meaningful partnership rather than seeking risky strokes. Together, Root and Jacks compiled a crucial 133-run stand for the sixth wicket, which gradually deflated the West Indies' attack and turned the match decisively in England's favour.With the game drifting away, Joseph returned to the attack and delivered once more. He trapped Jacks leg-before for 49, denying the all-rounder a deserved half-century, and later added another wicket to finish with superb figures of four for 31 from his ten overs - a performance that stood out in an otherwise inconsistent bowling display.Despite Joseph's efforts, the lack of support from the other bowlers allowed Root to guide England home. His control and game management in the latter stages ensured there were no further alarms, as the hosts completed the chase with three wickets in hand and seven balls remaining.Must Watch
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