England vs West Indies 2nd ODI 2025: England pulled off a thrilling 3-wicket victory over West Indies in the second ODI to seal the three-match series 2-0, riding on a masterful unbeaten 166 from Joe Root. The veteran right-hander anchored the innings with precision, pacing the chase to perfection as England chased down 309 with 7 balls to spare.
The win not only marks a dominant return to form for Root but also showcased England’s resilience under pressure after West Indies posted a formidable total, thanks to Keacy Carty’s brilliant century.
England Opts to Bowl, But Windies Batters Fire
After winning the toss, England captain Jos Buttler elected to bowl first, banking on early movement in the Cardiff conditions. However, the West Indies top order came out with attacking intent, especially Brandon King who laid the foundation with a steady 59 off 67 balls.
His opening stand with Shai Hope (78 off 66) gave the visitors a flying start. But the standout performance came from Keacy Carty, who notched up a superb 103 off 105 balls — his maiden ODI century — guiding West Indies past the 300-run mark.
Despite the strong platform, West Indies couldn’t capitalize fully in the final overs, losing their last 6 wickets for just 54 runs. Credit goes to Adil Rashid for his crafty leg-spin, returning figures of 4/63 in 10 overs. Saqib Mahmood also delivered a vital spell, picking up 3/37 in 9.4 overs.
Root Takes Charge After England Wobbles
In reply, England had a mixed start. Will Jacks played a confident knock at the top, scoring 49 off 58 balls, but England lost wickets at regular intervals to keep the game on a knife’s edge. Alzarri Joseph was particularly threatening, delivering a brilliant 10-over spell with figures of 4/31, troubling England’s middle order.
With the scoreboard reading 126/4 at one point, England’s chase appeared shaky. But Joe Root, playing with the composure and class that has defined his career, slowly took control. With every passing over, he rotated strike, punished loose deliveries, and stitched crucial partnerships — first with Harry Brook (47 off 36) and later with the lower middle order.
Root’s marathon innings of 166* came off 139 balls, featuring 12 fours and 4 sixes. It not only became one of his finest ODI knocks but also etched itself into England’s list of greatest run-chases.
Root Earns Player of the Match Honors
For his match-winning effort, Joe Root was adjudged
while his knock is already being hailed as one of the best of his ODI career. The innings not only steadied England in a tense chase but also reminded fans and critics of Root’s prowess in white-ball cricket.
West Indies Fight Hard but Fall Short
Despite the loss, West Indies had positives to take home — especially the performances of Keacy Carty and Shai Hope. Alzarri Joseph’s return to form with the ball is another encouraging sign. However, their inability to finish strongly with the bat and take crucial wickets in the death overs proved costly.
With England already securing the series 2-0, the third and final ODI now presents an opportunity for a clean sweep. West Indies, meanwhile, will aim to salvage pride and end the series on a high.
Match Summary:
- West Indies: 308 all out in 47.4 overs
- Keacy Carty 103 (105), Shai Hope 78 (66), Brandon King 59 (67)
- Adil Rashid 4/63 (10), Saqib Mahmood 3/37 (9.4)
- England: 312/7 in 48.5 overs
- Joe Root 166* (139), Will Jacks 49 (58), Harry Brook 47 (36)
- Alzarri Joseph 4/31 (10), Jayden Seales 1/56 (9.5)
Result: England won by 3 wickets
Series: England leads the 3-match ODI series 2-0
