Read the full match report of the 3rd ODI at Lord’s as England defeats India by 27 runs despite brilliant knocks from Rohit Sharma (138) and Virat Kohli (74).
A Historic Day of Cricket at the Home of the Game
The historic Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed an absolute run-fest during the 3rd ODI of India’s 2026 tour of England. In a match defined by breathtaking strokeplay, England emerged victorious by 27 runs after posting a massive total of 387 for 3. While the result went in favor of the hosts, the day will forever be remembered for what felt like a poignant, beautiful farewell to English soil from two of modern cricket’s greatest icons: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
If this was indeed the last time the legendary duo graced an English cricket stadium in colored clothing, they made sure to leave the fans with memories that will last a lifetime.
England’s Batting Fireworks Set a Mammoth Target
Winning the toss and batting first, England’s top order took full advantage of a pristine Lord’s batting strip. Ben Duckett was the star of the first innings, playing a sensational knock of 141 runs.
He anchored the innings beautifully while scoring at a rapid pace. Alongside him, the young talent Jacob Bethell showed exactly why he is considered the future of English cricket, smashing a brilliant 91.
India’s bowlers found themselves under constant pressure. Even after Duckett and Bethell departed, there was no respite.
The veteran Joe Root controlled the middle overs with a classy, unbeaten 74, while skipper Jos Buttler provided the final fireworks with a quick-fire 41 not out. England finished their 50 overs at a towering 387 for 3, leaving India with a mountain to climb.
The Hitman Unleashes an Absolute Masterclass
Chasing 388 was always going to require something extraordinary, and Indian captain Rohit Sharma decided to lead from the front. The “Hitman” looked in sublime touch from the very first ball, pulling and driving the English pacers with trademark elegance.
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Rohit paced his innings to perfection, bringing up his 34th One-Day International century. His majestic 138 was a masterclass in limited-overs batting, combining brute force with delicate timing. He took the attack to the English spinners and kept India well abreast of the required run rate, keeping a packed Lord’s crowd on the edge of their seats.
King Kohli’s Masterful Support Act
Following an early wicket, Virat Kohli joined his captain in the middle, and the two veterans rolled back the years. Kohli’s innings of 74 was a brilliant exhibition of tactical cricket. It was his 133rd score of fifty or more in ODI cricket, an astonishing statistic that highlights his unparalleled consistency.
Kohli’s knock was full of calculated gear shifts. He started by rotating the strike efficiently to give Rohit the majority of the balls, before accelerating beautifully with his signature cover drives. Together with Shubman Gill, who played a fluent knock of 77, India looked well on track to pull off a miraculous chase.
So Close Yet So Far for Team India
However, the sheer magnitude of the target eventually caught up with the visitors. Once Rohit and Kohli were dismissed, the lower-middle order struggled to maintain the demanding asking rate against a disciplined English death-bowling attack.
India fought valiantly until the very end, finishing their 50 overs at 360 for 7. Despite the 27-run defeat, the Indian team walked off to a standing ovation. The result may read as a win for England, but the narrative of the day belonged to the enduring genius of India’s senior statesmen.
