Joe Root’s Record-Breaking 166 Lifts England to Thrilling ODI Series Win
What a match we just witnessed in Cardiff! Joe Root turned back the clock and turned up the magic, playing one of the most unforgettable innings in recent memory to guide England to a dramatic three-wicket victory over the West Indies. Root's unbeaten 166 off just 139 balls was nothing short of masterful. Not only did he anchor a shaky England innings, but he also surpassed Eoin Morgan to become England’s all-time leading run-scorer in one-day internationals—an extraordinary achievement that cemented his place in cricketing history.
Things didn’t start well for England. Chasing a formidable 309 set by the West Indies, the hosts stumbled early, slumping to 93 for 4 with three ducks in the top order—Smith, Duckett, and Buttler all falling without scoring. It looked bleak. But Root, calm and composed, walked out and flipped the script. His partnership with Harry Brook added stability, and the 143-run stand with Will Jacks brought England back into the contest.
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Root was simply in a different league. He read the game beautifully, rotated the strike, and unleashed some classical strokes that left even the West Indies bowlers shaking their heads. The drive that sealed the match? A picture-perfect straight shot, fitting of the innings he had just played.
On the West Indies’ side, Keacy Carty was the standout, scoring a sublime 103. He, along with Brandon King and Shai Hope, laid a solid platform, and at 205 for 2, the visitors looked set for a total well beyond 308. But a collapse of the lower order, triggered by some sharp bowling from Adil Rashid (4 for 63) and Saqib Mahmood, meant they left runs on the table. Fielding errors from England gave Carty multiple lives, but the hosts made up for it in the death overs.
Despite their batting collapse, West Indies nearly clawed back thanks to a fiery spell from Alzarri Joseph, who picked up four crucial wickets. But it wasn’t enough to stop Root’s relentless pursuit. Even after Jacks and Carse fell, he remained unflustered. Rashid supported him in the final stretch as the two calmly saw the team home with seven balls to spare.
It was a match filled with dropped chances, missed run-outs, stunning counterattacks, and one man’s pure class rising above the chaos. Joe Root reminded everyone why he’s one of the greatest modern-day cricketers—not just by numbers, but by the poise and grace with which he crafts an innings.
With this win, England take the series 2-0 with one match left to play at The Oval. But even before that final game, Root has already won the series—and the hearts of cricket fans once again.
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