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 hosting balanced 50-over competitions, which favor both batsmen and bowlers. Spinners are also expected to play an important role later in the match.
The surface at Sophia Gardens generally provides 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 consists of the River Taff end and the Cathedral Road end, with 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 sees a balanced contest between bat and ball. The fast bowlers are likely to get some swing and seam movement from the new ball during the initial overs. As the innings progress, batting becomes easier, allowing spinners to be brought into play.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for Cardiff is ideal for cricket. The temperature is likely to reach around 30°C during the afternoon and drop to 27°C in the evening. The sky will be mostly sunny with a few clouds during the day and there is no chance of rain.
India vs England 2nd ODI: ODI records at venue
Sophia Gardens has hosted 33 full men’s ODI matches. Teams chasing have had more success, winning 21 matches, while teams batting first have won eight. Four matches ended without result.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Average score of 1st innings
The average first innings score at Sophia Gardens is 223. Although the early bursts can make it difficult to bat, teams generally aim for around 270-280 to put pressure on the team chasing the target.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Average score of 2nd innings
The average score in the second innings at the venue is 209. Despite low averages, chasing teams have enjoyed an excellent record by structuring their innings well and taking advantage of better batting conditions later in the match.
India vs England 2nd ODI: On-field chase record
Sophia Gardens has strongly supported teams batting at number two. Teams chasing the target have won 21 of the 33 completed ODI matches, giving them a success rate of around 64%. The most successful ODI target chase at this venue is 312/7, achieved by England against West Indies in 2025.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Highest team score at the venue
The highest ODI score at Sophia Gardens is 386/6, made by England against Bangladesh during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Once the batsmen settle on the surface, a big score is possible.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Lowest team total at the venue
The lowest completed ODI score 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: Important venue statistics
Matches played: 31
Won by batting first: 8 (25.80%)
Won by chasing: 19 (59.38%)
Match Tie: 1 (3.23%)
Matches without result: 3 (9.68%)
Matches won by winning the toss: 15 (48.65%)
Matches won after losing the 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)
Achievements achieved while chasing most runs: 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
A balanced contest between bat and ball is expected at Sophia Gardens. The fast bowlers should enjoy some early movement, while the spinners are likely to come into play later in the match. The captain who wins the toss is expected to bowl first and take full advantage of the conditions.
Also read: ICC plans major changes in T20 World Cup with Super 10 format; More clashes between India vs Pakistan: Report