Published By: Sayan Guha

IND vs. ENG T20I: THESE Big Totals Prove India’s Eden Gardens Mastery in T20Is

As India and England prepare for a showdown, we revisit the iconic venue's high-scoring encounters

Eden Gardens beneath the lights has a mystical quality. The explosive atmosphere, soaring sixes, and pressure of a historic venue can bring out the best in players. The excitement is evident as Kolkata prepares to host India and England in the first T20I of a highly anticipated five-match series.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has momentum in its favour. Last year, India has already won the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South Africa. With stars like Sanju Samson and newcomers like Abhishek Sharma poised to flourish, India will try to make Eden Gardens a stronghold once again.

The white-ball series is an ideal dress rehearsal for the Champions Trophy, which begins next month. As we prepare for the action, let’s look back at four of India’s highest T20I totals at this historic venue.

The Pant-Kohli special: 186/5 vs West Indies (2022)

On February 18, 2022, India struck 186/5 against the West Indies, with Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli leading the way. Both batters scored half-centuries, with Pant hitting 52 off 28 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Kohli was as spectacular, smashing 52 from 41 deliveries, including five fours and a six. Venkatesh Iyer’s late cameo of 33 runs off 18 balls provided significant momentum as India scored 88 runs in the final seven overs.

In the chase, the West Indies scored 178/3 thanks to Nicholas Pooran (62 off 41) and Rovman Powell (68* off 36). However, Harshal Patel (1/22) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/29) came through at the finish, protecting 36 runs in the final three overs to secure an 8-run victory.

Rohit’s blaze: 184/7 vs New Zealand (2021)

India scored 184/7 against New Zealand on November 21, 2021. Captain Rohit Sharma scored 56 runs off 31 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Ishan Kishan made an aggressive start, striking 29 off 21, while Deepak Chahar’s undefeated 21 off 8 helped India end well. They scored 49 runs in the last five overs.

Axar Patel’s outstanding stint (3/9 in three overs) demolished New Zealand’s batting order, limiting them to just 111 in 17.2 overs. Martin Guptill’s bold 51 from 36 was the lone bright moment for the visitors. India’s emphatic 73-run victory completed a 3-0 series sweep.

SKY’s limitless knock: 184/5 vs West Indies (2022)

On February 20, 2022, two days after their last victory, India trounced the West Indies again, this time scoring 184/5. Suryakumar Yadav was the hero, scoring 65 off 31 balls, including seven sixes and one four. His strike rate of 209 solidified his status as a finisher. Venkatesh Iyer was the ideal companion, contributing 35* from 19 deliveries. They contributed 91 runs in the final seven overs, helping India to a formidable total.

The West Indies’ answer fell short at 167/9 despite Nicholas Pooran’s 61 off 47. Harshal Patel (3/22) and Deepak Chahar (2/15) held the visitors in check, guiding India to a 17-run victory and another series whitewash.

Why Eden thrives on runs

Eden Gardens is ideal for high-scoring T20 matches because of its flat tracks, small boundaries, and passionate fans. With India and England preparing to face off, another high-scoring game might be on the cards. Will India add another record-breaking total, or will England spoil the party?