Striking big, seizing wins, and setting records – India’s T20I fireworks against England
The cricketing juggernaut goes on as India prepares to welcome England in a blockbuster limited-overs series beginning January 22, 2024, in Kolkata. The five-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs, promises to be entertaining clashes between two shorter-format superpowers. The series is essential as both teams attempt to fine-tune their strategy for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
#MohammadShami to lead #India's pace attack ⚡#AxarPatel becomes vice-captain 🔥#RiyanParag & #MayankYadav sidelined due to injuries 🏥
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 12, 2025
Watch Team India's T20I squad for the #England series, right here#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/GeohOtJs0B
This is an opportunity for India to rebound from their Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia. Meanwhile, led by Jos Buttler, England will try to make an early statement in the new year. One tendency sticks out among the tactical struggles and preparations: India's ability to score large totals against England in T20Is. Let's look back at four times when India dropped the hammer and scored 200 runs against England.
India was on fire in the fifth T20I of the series, which occurred in Ahmedabad in 2021. Virat Kohli's masterpiece (80* off 52 balls) and Rohit Sharma's brilliant 64 helped India reach 224/2. Despite being untried, the pair's first opening partnership changed the game.
England's reaction, headed by Dawid Malan (68) and Jos Buttler (52), kept them in contention for a bit of time. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's precision bowling (2/15) and Shardul Thakur's timely breakthroughs ensured a 36-run triumph. This victory not only gave India the series 3-2, but it also showed their ability to alter gears seamlessly.
Who can forget Yuvraj Singh's incredible six sixes in one over? In the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup, India tested their batting against England at Kingsmead in Durban. To set the tone, Virender Sehwag scored a furious 68, but Yuvraj's scorching 58 off 16 balls stole the show.
England's chase was spirited, with contributions from Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood. Irfan Pathan's brilliant bowling (3/33) helped India hold on for an 18-run victory. This effort saved India's World Cup chances and set a standard for power-hitting in T20 cricket.
At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, India's batting was on fire, led by Suresh Raina (63) and MS Dhoni (56). The score of 202/6 seems defendable, although it was far from exceptional, given Bengaluru's strong scoring averages.
Enter Yuzvendra Chahal. The leg-spinner stunned England with a stint of the ages, grabbing 6/25, the greatest by an Indian in T20Is. England crumbled miserably, losing eight wickets for eight runs and being bowled out for 127. India's 75-run win completed a series whitewash, reinforcing Chahal's status as a match-winner.
When India toured England in 2018, the third T20I in Bristol was a standout. England's batting, headed by Jason Roy (67), took them to 198/9. It appeared to be a difficult mark, but India, powered by Rohit Sharma's magnificent unbeaten century (100* from 56 balls), chased it down with eight balls remaining.
Hardik Pandya contributed with an all-round effort, taking four wickets and scoring 33 off 14 balls. The pursuit highlighted India's composure under pressure and ability to end games decisively.
Fans should anticipate even more fireworks when India and England face off again. India has plenty of firepower, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma in the mix. Will India continue their history of 200-plus totals, or will England find a way to control the runs?
One thing is sure: entertainment is inevitable when these two powerhouses collide.
