# 747 Runs and a Record at Lord’s: England’s Batting Blitz Clinches ODI Series

**By Arjun Mehta**  \nPublished July 20, 2026  \nUpdated July 20, 2026

> In a high-scoring thriller at the Home of Cricket, Ben Duckett’s 141 and a record-breaking Lord's total saw England overcome a defiant Rohit Sharma to clinch the series.

The sheer volume of runs at Lord’s on Sunday was enough to exhaust even the most seasoned spectators. In a high-octane series decider that saw 747 runs exchanged between the two sides, England secured a 27-run victory to claim a 2-1 ODI series win over India.

It was more than just a victory; it was a statistical demolition. England’s total of 387-3 stands as the highest one-day international total ever recorded at the Home of Cricket, shattering the previous mark of 334-4 set against the same opponents in 1975. The cornerstone of this historic innings was a masterclass from Ben Duckett, whose 141 off 135 balls became the highest men's ODI individual score at the venue.

## The Opening Avalanche

From the first over, England’s intent was clear. The top order dismantled the Indian bowling attack with an opening partnership between Duckett and Jacob Bethell that reached a staggering 192 runs. It was the highest England partnership of any wicket against India in men’s ODIs.

Bethell, playing with the freedom of a man paying tribute to his mentor, the late Sir Garfield Sobers, notched a vital 91 from 93 balls. His departure in the 31st over, caught by Rohit Sharma off Prasidh Krishna, was the first crack in England's momentum, but the platform was already immovable. Duckett, meanwhile, anchored the innings with surgical precision, striking 18 boundaries and a six before eventually falling to a return catch by Prince Yadav.

### Late-Innings Fireworks

While the openers provided the foundation, the final overs ensured England reached a near-unreachable total. Joe Root, coming off a gritty, unbeaten 99 in the Cardiff encounter that kept the series alive, continued his relentless form. Root struck an unbeaten 74 off just 48 deliveries, utilizing the sweep to pierce gaps with clinical accuracy.

However, the real psychological blow to India came from Jos Buttler. Entering the fray late, Buttler played a blistering cameo, racing to 41 unbeaten from just 13 deliveries. His strike rate of 315.38, characterized by four boundaries and three massive sixes, pushed the hosts well beyond the 350-run mark and into the realm of the extraordinary.

## The Rohit Sharma Response

Chasing what would have been the second-highest winning target in ODI history, India refused to fold. Rohit Sharma, amidst swirling rumors of retirement, delivered a statement innings that silenced critics. His 138 off 111 balls was a display of pure authority, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, marking his maiden ODI hundred at Lord's.

Sharma found a reliable partner in Shubman Gill, who struck a purposeful 77 before being trapped lbw by Adil Rashid. At 147-1, India looked poised to overhaul the mammoth target. The decibel level in the stadium rose as Virat Kohli joined the fray, and for a period, the momentum seemed to shift toward the visitors.

## The Turning Point

The match hung in the balance until a tactical gamble by England captain Harry Brook altered the course of the afternoon. Turning to Jacob Bethell to break the Sharma-Gill momentum proved inspired. In the 38th over, Bethell bowled a delivery that sent Sharma back to the pavilion, effectively stalling India's charge.

The pressure intensified as Sam Curran took control of the middle overs. Curran, who finished with highly effective figures of 4-75, claimed the crucial wicket of Kohli, who was caught in the covers for 74. With the required run rate spiraling, the Indian middle order struggled to find composure, and despite a flurry of boundaries from the tail, India finished on 360-7.

### Match Summary: Decider at Lord's

TeamScoreKey Performers**England**387-3 (50)Duckett 141, Bethell 91, Root 74***India**360-7 (50)Sharma 138, Gill 77, Kohli 74For England, the victory marks a significant milestone in their recent white-ball campaigns, providing a massive boost to head coach Brendon McCullum. For India, despite the individual brilliance of Sharma, the inability to capitalize on strong starts remains a nagging concern. As the dust settles on this high-scoring trilogy, England walks away with the series trophy and a new set of records etched into the history of Lord's.

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