Fans react after Rohit Sharma’s stunning century goes in vain as England clinch ODI series at Lord’s

England held their nerve in a high-scoring decider at Lord’s to defeat India by 27 runs in the third ODI and clinch the three-match series 2-1. Chasing a daunting target of 388, India mounted a spirited fight led by a magnificent century from Rohit Sharma, but England’s bowlers struck at crucial moments to restrict the visitors to 360/7 in 50 overs. Jacob Bethell was named Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round contribution after starring with the bat in England’s commanding total.

Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell and late fireworks power England to 387/3

After winning the toss and opting to bat, England produced one of their finest ODI batting displays of the series. Ben Duckett anchored the innings with a superb 141 off 135 deliveries, striking 18 fours and a six while pacing his innings to perfection. He shared a 191-run opening partnership with Bethell, who continued his impressive form with a fluent 91 from 93 balls, including 11 boundaries and two sixes.

The platform laid by the openers allowed England’s middle order to attack freely. Joe Root played an elegant knock of 74 off just 48 deliveries, finding the boundary nine times as he accelerated through the middle overs. Harry Brook managed only 14, but Jos Buttler provided the finishing flourish with a blistering unbeaten 41 off 13 balls, smashing four fours and three sixes to propel England to an imposing 387/3.

India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the relentless scoring. Prasidh Krishna was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/69 in his 10 overs, while Prince Yadav claimed one wicket despite conceding 79 runs. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Gurnoor Singh Brar all went wicketless, with Brar enduring a particularly expensive spell that cost 97 runs.

Rohit Sharma leads spirited chase with splendid ton but England strike back in the closing stages

India’s response was built around an outstanding innings from Rohit, who played one of his finest ODI knocks despite ending up on the losing side. The veteran opener smashed 138 off 110 balls, hammering 17 fours and five towering sixes to keep India in the contest throughout the chase.

Captain Shubman Gill provided excellent support with a composed 77 from 84 deliveries, while Virat Kohli added further momentum with an attacking 74 off just 60 balls that included four boundaries and three sixes. The trio ensured India remained within touching distance of the daunting target well into the latter stages of the innings.

However, England’s bowlers found breakthroughs just when India looked capable of pulling off a remarkable chase. Sam Curran delivered the decisive spell, claiming 4/75 and removing key middle-order batters to derail India’s pursuit. Adil Rashid and Bethell chipped in with a wicket each, while Jofra Archer dismissed one batter despite facing heavy pressure from the Indian top order.

India received late cameos from Brar (18) and Arshdeep (15 off six balls), but the required rate had climbed beyond reach by the final overs as England completed a hard-fought 27-run victory.

The result completed an impressive comeback from the hosts after losing the opening ODI. India had begun the series with a convincing six-wicket win before England levelled matters with a four-wicket victory in the second match. With everything riding on the Lord’s decider, England produced a complete team performance to secure both the match and the series.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Ben Duckett lights up Lord’s with splendid century during ENG vs IND 3rd ODI

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sometimes the best statements are made with just a bat in hand. #RohitSharma
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 19, 2026

Absolute joy seeing this 💯 of @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/QenidotdlA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 19, 2026

In recent times, no Indian legend has played with so much of muck thrown at him. Not played with a head coach who doesn’t want him in the set-up (Dont believe those Balcony pics. Even Dada-Greg Chappell played snooker organised by late Amitabh Chaudhary).
Salute @ImRo45. Ego of…
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) July 19, 2026

Rohit Sharma you Beauty . Well played Shana @ImRo45 @BCCI
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 19, 2026

Kisko Chayye retirement ?
Much needed Century for @ImRo45 #INDvsENG #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/KBU2KdgQi4
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) July 19, 2026

Top 5 batsmen to hit most ODI Centuries in England (Inngs)
10 – Joe Root (93)
8 – #RohitSharma (30) 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
8 – M Trescothick (60)
7 – Jonny Bairstow (58)
6 – Jason Roy (59)@ImRo45 competing with local boys pic.twitter.com/WyoCJ8C3KG
— Joker (@JokerSpeakz) July 19, 2026

Vintage Hitman! First Indian to hit a century at the Lord’s in an ODI match! When @ImRo45 gets into his rhythm, there’s hardly a better sight in cricket. Absolute class, brother! 👏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/u1xCWYUGf1
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2026

The ROar never gets old. 💯🔥 Well Played @ImRo45 #ENGvIND
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) July 19, 2026

Well Played Sir @ImRo45 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/o7lDKWPFvw
— Vaibhav Sooryavansi (@VaibhavSuryaFc) July 19, 2026

Pottu pottu akalundi 🥵🔥
WC 2027 We are coming @ImRo45 😭 pic.twitter.com/Hz4nj6kN9L
— ‘ (@swranx__) July 19, 2026

holding second highest odi run scorer record at lords jointly with viv richards.. comeback no one has expected @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/hCElbDL1ST
— anthro (@anthrophile75) July 19, 2026