ENG vs WI 2025, 2nd ODI Recap: Joe Root’s brilliance guides hosts to series victory

At the Sophia Gardens, Joe Root‘s incredible century led The Three Lions to an unforgettable victory. In the second match at Cardiff on June 1, England defeated the West Indies by an exciting three wickets to complete the three-match ODI series 2-0.

Harry Brook, the captain of England, decided to bowl first after winning the toss, and Brydon Carse hit in the first over of the innings, removing Jewel Andrew for a duck. However, Brandon King and Keacy Carty’s second-wicket stand, which saw Carty add 141 runs, helped the West Indies bounce back. In the end, King—the older of the two—was fired for 59.

Shai Hope, the captain, then joined Carty, helping to form a 58-run partnership for the third wicket. Hope continued to hit 78 off 66 balls, while Carty scored a superb century before being dismissed for 103. The English bowlers put a lot of pressure on the remaining batting order, despite their best attempts.

Adil Rashid, who took four wickets for 63 runs in his ten overs, put on a great bowling show as the visitors were ultimately knocked out for 308. Saqib Mahmood contributed three wickets as well, giving up just 37 runs in 9.4 overs.

With openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett out for ducks, the chase got started to a rough start. Before the latter was removed for 47, Joe Root and captain Harry Brook steadied the batting by scoring 85 runs in 61 balls for the third wicket.

Joe Root forged a strong alliance with Will Jacks, but Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell also fell quickly.

For the sixth wicket, the pair fashioned a vital 143-run partnership. Jacks fell for 49 after missing out on a half-century, but the seasoned Root stuck around and led the pursuit.

With just three wickets remaining, England reached the finish line thanks to his undefeated 166 off 139 balls, which included 21 fours and two sixes. Alzarri Joseph had an outstanding bowling performance for the Caribbean team, claiming 4 for 31 in his 10-over effort, including a maiden.

The hosts have officially won the series after putting up a strong show in the first ODI, winning by an overwhelming 238 runs. Before moving on to three Twenty20 Internationals, Brook & Co. will want to finish the series with a whitewash, therefore the third and final ODI is set on June 3 at The Oval in London.