Joe Root Creates History in ODIs
England star batter Joe Root reached a major milestone in the second ODI against South Africa at Lord’s. Root scored 61 runs, and with his half-century off Nandre Burger’s delivery, he surpassed Eoin Morgan’s record for most ODI fifties by an England player.
Morgan had 42 half-centuries in 225 matches. Root now holds the record with 43 ODI fifties, alongside his tally of 7,201 runs in 182 matches, averaging 48.98 with 18 centuries to his name.
England Fall Short Despite Root’s Knock
Despite Root’s historic achievement, England suffered a 5-run defeat, losing the three-match ODI series 2–0. Chasing 331 runs, England managed only 325/9. At one stage, when Root and Jacob Bethell (58) were building a partnership, hopes were alive, but South Africa bounced back strongly.
Corbin Bosch dismissed Bethell, while Keshav Maharaj removed Root to derail England’s chase. Jos Buttler also fought with a 61-run knock, but it wasn’t enough.
For South Africa, Nandre Burger starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while Maharaj picked up two.
South Africa Seal First ODI Series Win in England Since 1998
The result gave South Africa an unassailable 2-0 series lead, marking their first ODI series victory in England since 1998.
Batting first, South Africa posted 330/8. Openers Aiden Markram (49) and Ryan Rickelton (35) gave a solid start before Matthew Breetzke (85 off 77) and Tristan Stubbs (58) stitched a 147-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Dewald Brevis also chipped in with 42 runs to boost the total.
England’s reply was spirited but fell agonisingly short, leaving fans disappointed despite Root’s personal milestone.
In summary: Joe Root may have etched his name in the record books by surpassing Eoin Morgan’s ODI fifty record, but England’s narrow loss handed South Africa a historic series win on English soil.
FAQs
1. What record did Joe Root break in the 2nd ODI against South Africa?
Joe Root scored his 43rd ODI fifty, surpassing Eoin Morgan’s record of 42 half-centuries, becoming the England batter with the most fifties in ODIs.
2. How many runs has Joe Root scored in ODIs for England?
As of the 2nd ODI against South Africa, Joe Root has scored 7,201 runs in 182 ODIs at an average of 48.98, including 18 centuries.
3. Did England win the ODI series against South Africa?
No. England lost the 2nd ODI at Lord’s by 5 runs, giving South Africa a 2–0 unassailable lead and their first ODI series win in England since 1998.
4. Who were the top performers for South Africa in the 2nd ODI?
Matthew Breetzke scored 85 runs, Tristan Stubbs made 58, and Nandre Burger took 3 wickets, leading South Africa to victory.
5. How many runs did Joe Root score in the 2nd ODI?
Joe Root scored 61 runs before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj in England’s chase of 331 runs.
