What a day at the home of cricket! Ben Duckett's majestic century lit up Lord's as England seized the ODI series win over India in thrilling fashion. The 29-year-old Nottinghamshire star's blistering innings of 141 not out will be etched in the memories of the packed crowd for years to come, as he rewrote the record books with a stunning display that set up an imposing total of 387 for three – England's highest ever List A score at this iconic venue.
The writing was on the wall from the start, as Jacob Bethell and Duckett put on a clinic in destructive batting, forging a monumental 192-run partnership that laid the foundations for England's commanding victory. Bethell himself contributed a vital 91 to the cause, while late fireworks from Joe Root (74 not out) and Jos Buttler (41 off just 13 deliveries) sent the Indian bowlers into chaos.
India, however, refused to be silenced, with Rohit Sharma putting on a showstopping display of his own – an unbeaten 138 that saw him become the first Indian player to score a century at Lord's. Shubman Gill chipped in with 77, while Virat Kohli added a vital half-century in what could prove to be his final ODI innings on English soil.
But England's bowlers held firm when it mattered most, particularly Sam Curran, who claimed four wickets for 75 and kept the pressure cooker on. The turning point arrived when Jacob Bethell was brought into the attack, and he snatched the vital wicket of Rohit Sharma at 260 for two – a decisive moment that shifted the momentum firmly in England's favour.
The final nail in India's coffin came when Curran ripped through their top order with two quick wickets in the 44th over, restricting them to 360 for seven and securing an unforgettable series triumph. This historic win marks England's first ODI series victory over India since 2018 and only their second since 2012 – a testament to the team's growing prowess under Brendon McCullum's guidance.