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Sophia Gardens pitch report: ODI records and average scores in Cardiff ahead of England vs India 2nd ODI
The three-match ODI series between England and India resumes at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, with the tourists holding a 1-0 lead.
Having ended a miserable run of results with a commanding six-wicket win at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill's side can seal the series with a game to spare, while England must win to force a decider at Lord's on Sunday.
The picturesque Welsh venue, home to Glamorgan, has staged international cricket since 1999 and hosted marquee events including the 1999 World Cup, the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy, and the 2019 World Cup.
As both sides prepare for a pivotal contest, the record books at Sophia Gardens make for fascinating reading.
The Sporting News brings you the pitch report, key ODI records, and everything you need to know about the venue in the 50-over format.
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Sophia Gardens pitch report: Is it a batting or bowling wicket in Cardiff?
The pitch at Sophia Gardens offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers can extract swing and bounce early, especially under cloudy skies, before the surface slows and spinners come into play as the innings progresses.
The record slightly favors the chasing side. India themselves illustrated the point in the venue's most recent India fixture, and both sides will factor the toss carefully into their thinking on Thursday.
What is the average ODI score at Sophia Gardens?
Sophia Gardens has generally been a ground for competitive rather than colossal totals, with a score around 280 to 300 considered par. The venue has, however, produced several 300-plus totals in high-profile fixtures.
The most recent ODI here underlined its scoring potential. In June 2025, the West Indies posted 308 before England chased it down, reaching 312 for 7 to complete one of the higher successful pursuits seen at the ground.
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Highest score by a team at Sophia Gardens in ODIs
The highest team total at the venue is England's 386 for 6, posted against Bangladesh during the 2019 World Cup. England won that contest by 106 runs, and the total remains comfortably clear of their own 342 for 8 against Australia in 2018.
Lowest score by a team at Sophia Gardens in ODIs
The lowest completed team total is Afghanistan's 125 all out against South Africa during the 2019 World Cup. Sri Lanka features next on the list, having twice been dismissed cheaply here, for 136 and 138, both against New Zealand.
Highest individual score at Sophia Gardens in ODIs
The individual batting record belongs to England's Joe Root, whose unbeaten 166 against West Indies in June 2025 powered a memorable chase. Jason Roy's 153 against Bangladesh in 2019 and Shaun Marsh's 131 for Australia in 2018 sit next on the list.
Most runs at Sophia Gardens in ODIs
Root also leads the run-scoring charts at the ground, having amassed 469 runs in 11 matches at an average of 46.90. Jos Buttler is close behind with 443 runs from 10 games, while Jason Roy is third with 407 runs across just five appearances.
Most wickets at Sophia Gardens in ODIs
England's Adil Rashid holds the record for the most wickets at the venue, claiming 14 in seven matches between 2016 and 2025 at an economy of 6.19. Liam Plunkett is second with 12 wickets, with Pakistan's Hasan Ali third on 10.
Best bowling figures at Sophia Gardens in ODIs
India's Ravindra Jadeja produced the finest match figures at the ground, taking 4 for 28 against England in August 2014. South Africa's Imran Tahir matched the four-wicket haul with 4 for 29 against Afghanistan during the 2019 World Cup.
India's record at Sophia Gardens
India boasts a flawless ODI record at the venue, winning both their matches here. They beat South Africa by 26 runs in the 2013 Champions Trophy and defeated England by 133 runs in 2014, a strong omen as Gill's side chase a series-sealing victory.
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