Before the ODI showdown begins, let’s revisit the last time England toured India for a nail-biting three-match series
After extending their T20I series winning streak at home, India is set to take on England in a three-match ODI series, beginning February 6 in Nagpur. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, this series will serve as a crucial test for both teams. India will look to regain form in the 50-over format, while England hopes to bounce back from their recent T20 series loss.
The head-to-head record slightly favours India, with 58 wins in 107 ODIs, while England has secured victory 44 times. Three matches ended without a result, and two were tied. However, past records count for little when these two cricketing giants face off. The last time they played an ODI series in India was in March 2021, and it was a hard-fought battle. The three-match series in Pune saw both teams producing thrilling encounters, with India edging England 2-1. Let’s take a look back at that series.
The first match of the India vs England ODI series will be played on February 6, 2025, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The match will start at 1:30 PM IST.
— Bemba Nation (@BembaNation) February 2, 2025
Capacity - 45,000#INDvENG #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/Es2biHPPC2
India began the 2021 series with a 66-run victory on March 23 in Pune. Batting first, they posted a solid 317/5 in 50 overs. Shikhar Dhawan was the star of the innings with a composed 98 off 106 balls. Virat Kohli (56), KL Rahul (62*), and Krunal Pandya (58* off 31) played valuable knocks to propel India past the 300-run mark. England’s Ben Stokes was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/34.
In response, England started well, thanks to Jonny Bairstow’s attacking 94. However, Indian bowlers struck at regular intervals. Prasidh Krishna led the charge with 4/54, while Shardul Thakur (3/37) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/30) ensured England never got close. The visitors were bowled out for 251 in 42.1 overs, giving India a 1-0 lead. Dhawan’s brilliant innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
England roared back in the second ODI on March 26 with a dominant six-wicket victory. India posted 336/6, riding on KL Rahul’s century (108 off 114) and Rishabh Pant’s explosive 77 off just 40 balls. Virat Kohli (66) and Hardik Pandya (35 off 16) also chipped in. Reece Topley and Tom Curran took two wickets each, but England was set a daunting target.
England’s reply was nothing short of breathtaking. Jonny Bairstow smashed 124 off 112 balls, while Ben Stokes’ brutal 99 off just 52 deliveries crushed India’s hopes. Jason Roy added 55, and despite a late wobble, Dawid Malan (16*) and Liam Livingstone (27*) sealed the win with 39 balls to spare. Bairstow’s sensational ton earned him the Player of the Match award as England levelled the series 1-1.
The decider on March 28 was a nail-biting affair, with India winning by just seven runs. Batting first, the hosts put up 329 in 48.2 overs. Shikhar Dhawan (67), Rishabh Pant (78), and Hardik Pandya (64) played key roles, while Mark Wood (3/34) and Adil Rashid (2/81) kept England in check.
Chasing 330, England stumbled early, losing Jonny Bairstow for just one. Dawid Malan (50), Ben Stokes (35), and Liam Livingstone (36) tried to rebuild, but India’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Sam Curran’s heroic unbeaten 95 off 83 balls gave England hope, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/42) and Shardul Thakur (4/67) held their nerve in the final overs. England finished at 322/9, falling short by seven runs. Despite ending on the losing side, Curran’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, while Bairstow was named Player of the Series.
