As India gears up for another T20 showdown against England, let’s relive some unforgettable triumphs
The stage is set for another exciting India vs. England T20 series. Starting January 22 in Kolkata, the action promises to heat up over five matches in India’s cricketing hotspots. Fans are looking forward to Mohammed Shami’s comeback, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav heads a talented side that includes Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, and Sanju Samson. With England seeking to ruin the party, India will look to show its supremacy like it has in the past.
What better way to ramp up the hype than to rewatch India’s most stunning victory against England in T20Is? These matches were more than simply victories; they were complete masterworks.
#ThrowbackThursday India got their biggest ever T20I win at #WT20 2012 v England, a 90 run victory, @harbhajan_singh taking 4/12 as MOTM pic.twitter.com/zLK9RWA6y0
— ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2017
In the 2012 T20 World Cup encounter, the defending World T20 winner, England, was anticipated to beat India in Colombo easily. But Harbhajan Singh had different intentions. Making his comeback to the Indian team after a year away, he wove webs around England’s batters, taking 4 for 12.
India scored 170, owing to Rohit Sharma’s cool 55*. England responded with a mere 80. The 90-run margin was more than a triumph; it was a message that India was ready to compete with anyone. England’s confidence? Shattered.
The stakes could not have been greater when India played England in Bengaluru for a series decider. Raina and Dhoni’s fifties fuelled India’s 202, but Yuzvendra Chahal provided the real magic.
With England chasing a challenging mark, Chahal’s leg spin annihilated them, taking 6 for 25, the best figures by an Indian in T20Is. England had an astonishing collapse, losing eight wickets for only eight runs. India won the series 2-1, sending England leaving without a trophy.
Fast-forward to the T20 World Cup semifinal in Guyana. India was looking for its first ICC title in nearly a decade. It posted a competitive 171, with Rohit Sharma (57) and Suryakumar Yadav (47) leading the way.
England, the defending champions, were annihilated. Axar Patel (3/23) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/19) combined to limit England to only 103. It was atonement for previous heartbreaks, not just a victory. India entered the final with high confidence.
Pandya’s perfection in Southampton (2022)
India’s 2022 visit to England was all about redemption, and the T20 series opener in Southampton proved why. Hardik Pandya, wholly fit and blazing, scored a quick-fire 51 before returning with the ball to snag 4 for 33.
England, chasing 199, stumbled as Hardik ran wild. His all-round excellence propelled India to a dominant 50-run victory, setting the tone for the series. It was a stark reminder of India’s depth and potency for England.
Sunny skies, a crowded Old Trafford, and England’s formidable batting lineup were no match for India’s spinners and KL Rahul’s dazzling performance. Kuldeep Yadav’s miraculous 5 for 24 ruined England’s innings, reducing them to 159.
Rahul then delivered a masterpiece, scoring an undefeated 101 to lead India home with 10 balls to spare. This eight-wicket thrashing was as clinical as possible, highlighting India’s T20 dominance.
As India and England prepare to meet, memories of these great victories will undoubtedly energise the Men in Blue. With Mohammed Shami returning and a new team ready to go, will India add another chapter to their T20 supremacy over England? Stay tuned for fireworks!
