Joe Root's unbeaten 99 steered England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. The chase of 234 proved tense until the final moments, with Root denied a century by a winning boundary from Gus Atkinson. Main Developments England's bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer, dismissed India for 233 after the visitors had posted fifties from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Archer's early breakthroughs triggered a collapse that left India vulnerable. In response, England stumbled to 94-4 before Root took control. He guided the innings with calm precision, but fell just one run short of his 21st ODI hundred when Atkinson hit the winning boundary off Prasidh Krishna with 35 balls to spare. Read also: Pakistan forex reserves drop $1.245bn as debt repayments hit Background The series opener had seen India secure a six-wicket win over England, putting the visitors ahead. This second match in Cardiff offered England a chance to bounce back on home soil, with Sophia Gardens providing a familiar setting for the hosts. India's batting lineup, despite Kohli and Iyer's contributions, failed to build a substantial total after Archer's early strikes. The collapse mirrored England's own shaky start in the chase, but Root's experience proved decisive. Why It Matters This win keeps the series alive heading into the final ODI, giving England momentum after a disappointing start. For India, it highlights vulnerabilities in their middle order under pressure, while Root's composure underscores his value as a chase anchor in England's lineup. What's Next The third and deciding ODI will determine the series winner, with both teams seeking to exploit weaknesses exposed in Cardiff. England will aim to replicate their bowling discipline, while India must address their batting collapse to reclaim control.