In a gripping second ODI of the ENG vs WI series, Joe Root scored a career-best 166* to lead England to a dominating 309-run victory and wrap up the series with a game to spare. Despite initial hiccups and a gallant effort by the West Indies, Root’s masterclass saw England reach the finish line with three wickets and seven balls to spare.
Root’s Record-Breaking Knock Steals the Show
England’s Leading ODI Run-Scorer
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Joe Root‘s opening 42 runs made him England’s leading ODI run-scorer, breaking Eoin Morgan’s earlier record of 6,957 runs. The innings, his 18th ODI century and career-best score, was a mix of class and control, with 23 boundaries and the winning straight drive.
Root changed gears radically mid-innings. From 77 off 82 balls, he accumulated his century in 98 balls and then ravaged 43 off the following 24 overs, displaying ramp shots, scoops, and traditional cover drives.
West Indies’ Valiant Batting: Carty’s Century Leads the Way
Batting first, West Indies scored 308 all out, with a steady hundred from Keacy Carty (103) taking center stage. The visitors were ably supported by Brandon King (59) and Shai Hope (78), and the team seemed in line to target a winning score.
Missed Opportunities Haunt England
England’s fielding problems let West Indies thrive. Ben Duckett mishandled two vital catches and missed a run-out, and Saqib Mahmood spilled Carty on 41. All these misfields were costly, piling vital runs onto the board.
Top Bowling Performances: Rashid and Joseph Star
Adil Rashid’s 4-for
England’s Adil Rashid was the best of the bowlers, taking 4 for 63, while Mahmood aided with 3 for 37, to keep West Indies from scoring, losing their last 8 wickets for 103 runs.
Alzarri Joseph’s Scorching Spell
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For the West Indies, Alzarri Joseph took 4 for 31, eliminating major England batsmen like Jos Buttler and Will Jacks, and keeping his team in the match till the last.
Early Collapse & Roots’ Rescue Mission
England Reeling at 93 for 4
Chasing 309, England were rocked early, reduced to 2 for 2 within the first over. Both Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett fell for ducks. Captain Jos Buttler soon followed, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.
Root-Jacks Partnership Turns the Tide
Root had a solid ally in Will Jacks (49 off 58). Their 143-run partnership from 122 balls stabilized the innings, with Root playing the aggressor well into the game, while Jacks was LBW to Joseph.
Key Match Moments – ENG vs WI 2nd ODI
Root narrowly escapes two run-out opportunities early on, missed throws by Chase and King. Brook and Root dropped in the pivotal moments, facilitating England’s recovery.
Jewel Andrew’s first West Indies gamble fails out for a duck on his first-class debut as an opener. Carty’s landmark moment, his hundred was achieved off 102 balls, but he then got stumped three balls later.
What This Means for England’s White-Ball Future
Joe Root’s return to form in ODIs is timely for England, at the run-up to large white-ball events. His current consistency since readapting the format two centuries in eight innings, averaging 30 runs above his career average, reaffirms him as a pillar of the batting unit.
Final Summary: ENG vs WI 2nd ODI Result
| Team | Score | Top Performer | Result |
| West Indies | 308 all out (48.4 overs) | Keacy Carty – 103 | England defeated by 3 wickets; won ODI series 2-0 |
| England | 309/7 (48.5 overs) | Joe Root – 166* |
Classic Root, Gritty Windies, and ODI Drama
Hattrick of misery for Windies
The ENG vs WI ODI in Cardiff will be talked about for Joe Root’s eternal masterclass, a combination of class, resilience, and match-winning credentials. Though the West Indies displayed strength after suffering a drubbing in the opening ODI, it was still short of stopping England’s chase for history and Root’s unstoppable momentum.
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