IND vs ENG 2nd ODI match result: Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 and Gus Atkinson’s all-round heroics lead England to series-level victory

England secured a four-wicket victory over India to level the series at 1-1. Joe Root’s stellar innings of 99 not out was crucial as the Indian batting faltered and crumbled for just 233 runs. (Photo/AP/PTI) A masterclass in chasing from veteran Joe Root and a clinical bowling display helped England bounce back in style to record a comfortable four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday. The resounding win leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a winner-take-all blockbuster at Lord’s on Sunday.Opting to bat first, England’s pace attack took advantage of the conditions to bundle India out for a modest 233 in 44 overs, triggering a spectacular mid-innings collapse.Earlier, India looked well set for a commanding total, comfortably settled at 178 for 3 inside 32 overs. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71 balls) laid a solid foundation as the duo kept the scoreboard ticking with authoritative strokes.However, the English pacers intervened mercilessly. Led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), the hosts went on a batting slide that saw India lose their last seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to wag under constant pressure and India were eventually folded with six overs left unplayed.Chasing a modest 234, England’s best faced some testing times against the moving ball and both openers fell in the first four overs with just eight runs on the board. Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar flashed some impressive fire, taking 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former captain played with utmost composure and completed the chase to perfection. With wickets falling around him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The pair came through a difficult period, stitching together a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket to shift the momentum firmly back in England’s favour.After Jacks departed for 30 off 44, it was Gus Atkinson who saw England home alongside Root. The duo put on a quick, unbroken partnership of 38 runs off just 25 deliveries. Atkinson played a brisk cameo of 23 not out from 16 balls while Root, though cruelly stuck on a masterful 99 not out from 133 balls, anchored the chase brilliantly till the end.England overhauled the target to finish on 235 for 6, ending the game with 35 balls to spare. After India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham, the scales are now balanced and the series decider at Lord’s promises to be an exciting affair.Quick Score:India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65; Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50)England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Will Jacks 30; Gurnoor Brar 2/67)Result: England won by 4 wickets.