Team India will travel to picturesque South Wales, to the capital of Cardiff, for the second One Day International (ODI) against England on Thursday, July 16. The Men in Blue are 1-0 up in the series and have a chance to seal the series at the Sophia Gardens.
India have played ODIs across the world, including four times in Cardiff. They first played a game in the Welsh city back in 2011 and have not visited the iconic venue for 12 years. Despite playing fewer games here than at other grounds in England, the Men in Blue have an excellent record at Sophia Gardens, giving them some much-needed confidence ahead of the second ODI.
India's only defeat in Cardiff came in their first game, when they lost by six wickets in a rain-affected encounter. Despite finishing second best, the ODI holds a special place in Virat Kohli's career as he registered his first and so far only century on English soil in the 50-over format.
During India's triumphant run at the 2013 Champions Trophy, they played twice at Sophia Gardens, against South Africa and Sri Lanka, winning both. Shikhar Dhawan was the star of the show on both instances, hitting 114 and 68, respectively.
India's last ODI in Cardiff came during their 2014 tour when they won by a staggering 133 runs against England. Scoring 304 runs in the first innings, Suresh Raina hit a century off just 75 balls to be declared Player of the Match. Ravindra Jadeja also had a great outing, taking a four-wicket haul.
India in ODI matches at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | No Results | First-ever Fixture | Most Recent Fixture |
| 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | September 16, 2011 (Lost) | August 27, 2014 (Won) |
| England | 16 Sept, 2011 | lost | 6 wickets |
| South Africa | 6 Jun, 2013 | won | 26 runs |
| Sri Lanka | 20 Jun, 2013 | won | 8 wickets |
| England | 27 Aug, 2014 | won | 133 runs |
(Data Source: Cricinfo)
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