IND vs ENG, 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma's Heroic Century Goes in Vain as England Clinch ODI Series 2-1

Written By: Mary Rose Baba

Updated: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 (10:31 IST)

Rohit Sharma produced a stunning century on his return to form, but England held their nerve to defeat India by 27 runs in the third and deciding ODI at Lord's on Sunday, sealing the three-match series 2-1.

Chasing a challenging target of 388, India finished on 360/7 despite Rohit's brilliant 138 off 110 balls. England's victory was set up by Ben Duckett's record-breaking 141 and Sam Curran's match-winning spell of 4/75.

Rohit, Gill Give India Flying Start

Under pressure after a lean run of scores, Rohit answered his critics in style with his 34th ODI century. The opener smashed 17 fours and five sixes, sharing a 147-run opening partnership with captain Shubman Gill, who contributed a composed 77 before being trapped lbw by Adil Rashid.

Virat Kohli then joined Rohit as the duo added another 113 runs, keeping India's chase firmly on track. Kohli scored a fluent 74 off 60 deliveries and registered his maiden international fifty at Lord's.

Rohit reached his century with a sweep off Rashid, drawing loud applause from the Indian dressing room and the packed crowd at the Home of Cricket.

England Strike Back After Rohit's Dismissal

Rohit enjoyed a slice of luck on 137 when Sam Curran's slower delivery narrowly missed the stumps after England reviewed an on-field not-out decision.

However, the opener's superb innings ended shortly after. After hitting Jacob Bethell for a towering six, Rohit attempted another sweep but missed, allowing the left-arm spinner to bowl him and hand England the crucial breakthrough.

Curran then turned the game decisively in England's favour. The left-arm seamer removed Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer in the same over before dismissing Kohli six balls later. He later added Axar Patel's wicket to finish with outstanding figures of 4/75.

Jofra Archer accounted for KL Rahul as England successfully defended their total despite an unbeaten late effort from Gurnoor Brar (18) and Arshdeep Singh (15).

Duckett Rewrites Lord's Record Books

Earlier, Ben Duckett played one of the finest ODI innings at Lord's, smashing 141 off 135 balls with 18 boundaries and a six. His knock surpassed Viv Richards' unbeaten 138 in the 1979 World Cup final to become the highest individual ODI score at the iconic venue.

Duckett and Jacob Bethell (91) dominated India's bowling attack with a 192-run opening partnership after England captain Harry Brook elected to bat first.

Duckett reached his century in style and received a major lifeline on 135 when KL Rahul caught the ball near the boundary but stepped onto the rope, turning a wicket into six runs. Prince Yadav eventually ended Duckett's innings with a return catch. 

Root, Buttler Finish in Style

Joe Root remained unbeaten on 74 from just 48 balls, registering his third consecutive half-century of the series and extending his streak to six successive ODI fifties.

Jos Buttler provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 41 off only 13 balls, smashing four fours and three sixes. England hammered 46 runs in the final two overs to finish on an imposing 387/3.

Prasidh Krishna (2/69) was India's most successful bowler, while Prince Yadav picked up Duckett's prized wicket.

Although Rohit's magnificent century gave India genuine hope of pulling off one of their highest successful ODI chases, Duckett's record-breaking innings and Curran's brilliant spell proved decisive as England secured a memorable series victory at Lord's.

Brief Scores

England: 387/3 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett 141, Jacob Bethell 91, Joe Root 74; Prasidh Krishna 2/69)

India: 360/7 in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 138, Shubman Gill 77, Virat Kohli 74; Sam Curran 4/75)

Result: England won by 27 runs and clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1.