England will host India in the second ODI of the three-match series at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16. The venue is known for producing balanced 50-over contests, with both batters and bowlers getting assistance. Spinners are also expected to play a key role later in the match.
The Sophia Gardens surface usually offers early movement for fast bowlers. Here's everything you need to know about the pitch report, weather forecast, venue records, and average scores ahead of the second ODI.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Match Details
Match: England vs India, 2nd ODI
Tournament: India tour of England, 2026
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM LOCAL (5:30 PM IST)
Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
India vs England 2nd ODI: Venue Overview
The picturesque stadium features the River Taff End and the Cathedral Road End, boasting a seating capacity of 15,000. It has hosted several historic white-ball fixtures since hosting its first men's ODI in 1999.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Pitch Report
The pitch at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff usually offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers are likely to get some swing and seam movement with the new ball during the opening overs. As the innings progresses, batting becomes easier, bringing the spinners into the game.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for Cardiff looks ideal for cricket. Temperatures are expected to reach around 30°C during the afternoon before dropping to 27°C in the evening. Skies will remain mostly sunny with a few clouds later in the day, and there is no chance of rain.
India vs England 2nd ODI: ODI Records at the Venue
Sophia Gardens has hosted 33 completed men's ODIs. Teams chasing have enjoyed greater success, winning 21 matches, while teams batting first have managed eight victories. Four matches ended without a result.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Average First Innings Score
The average first-innings score at Sophia Gardens is 223. While early movement can make batting difficult, teams generally aim for a total of around 270-280 to put pressure on the chasing side.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Average Second Innings Score
The average second-innings score at the venue is 209. Despite the lower average, chasing teams have enjoyed an excellent record by pacing their innings well and taking advantage of improved batting conditions later in the match.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Chasing Record at the Venue
Sophia Gardens has strongly favored teams batting second. Chasing sides have won 21 of the 33 completed ODIs, giving them a success rate of nearly 64%. The highest successful ODI chase at the venue is 312/7, achieved by England against the West Indies in 2025.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Highest Team Total at the Venue
The highest ODI total at Sophia Gardens is 386/6, scored by England against Bangladesh during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Big totals are possible once batters settle on the surface.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Lowest Team Total at the Venue
The lowest completed ODI total at Sophia Gardens is 125, recorded by Afghanistan against South Africa during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The new ball can be dangerous when fast bowlers make full use of the conditions.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Crucial Venue Stats
Matches Played: 31
Won Batting First: 8 (25.80%)
Won Chasing: 19 (59.38%)
Matches Tied: 1 (3.23%)
Matches with No Result: 3 (9.68%)
Matches Won Winning Toss: 15 (48.65%)
Matches Won Losing Toss: 14 (45.16%)
Average Score Batting First: 220
Highest Team Total: England - 386/6 vs Bangladesh (2019)
Lowest Team Total: Afghanistan - 125 vs South Africa (2019)
Highest Individual Innings: Joe Root - 166* vs West Indies (2025)
Highest Run Chase Achieved: England - 312/7 vs West Indies (2025)
Best Bowling Figures: Ravindra Jadeja -4/28 vs England (2014)
India vs England 2nd ODI: Pitch Report Verdict
Sophia Gardens is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers should enjoy some early movement, while spinners are likely to come into play later in the match. The captain winning the toss is expected to bowl first and make the most of the conditions.
Also read: ICC plans major T20 World Cup overhaul with Super 10 format; more India vs Pakistan clashes: Report
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