If there is a counterpart of “Liverpool and FC Barcelona” in Cricket then it is definitely “England and India”. The rivalry between these two teams from the last two decades was often nail-biting. The rivalry is quite underrated between these two sides after the two major Rivals in a game. First is definitely the Ashes Series between Australia and England. The second rivalry between India and Pakistan – which is the most heated and intense rivalry in the ground.
From the first game played between India and England in 1974, there were quite a times when they face off against other in a series or ICC events. Out of 97 games held between these two sides, 52 was won by India and 39 won by England. While during the 1980s England team had the upper hand, coming into the 1990s and 2000s – it was all equal. But during the last decade, team India has the upper hand over the England team.
1. India Vs England, Lord Final, 2002:
Do you think any other match deserves to be at the top of the list apart from this? Seems like it’s not possible. The match was a glimpse to world cricket – that Era of Young India Cricket has begun. The date of this epic thriller will be written in history books with golden words.
Back then, in 2002 When the cricket was a serious game played among highly professional players with every sort of sportsman spirit. It was the final of Natwest Series – After winning the toss England decided to bat first with no surprise – the two world-class batsmen Nassier Hussain and Marcus Trescothick smashed the centuries to help England Team Posted the huge score of 325/5 on the board.
As Indian Openers, started the chase they have got off to flying start with 100 runs in the 14 overs. The most underrated Rivalry how could end without some twists. There comes the first twist when Indian batting line up befuddle in front of England pacers from 106/0 to 146/5.
For a while, it was all over for as the most of star batsman were back to hut. The two young underdogs Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif were On the crease. No one around have any hopes from these two rookies to fought back from here. But the final twist was still about come – after then what these two have done will be remembered for the decades.
It was 2002, chasing the total of 326 – it was impossible but these two have done – what it was looking Impossible at one stage. Taking the aerial route these two have add on 121 run stand partnership for the 6th wicket to put India team back into the hunt.
The epic twist of final 2 overs was cherry on the cake and stunned the world fraternity with the clear signs that young team India has hit the headlines. While Kaif was awarded with the man of match for his unbeaten 87* helping India to clinch game with 2 wickets in hand.
2. India Vs England, 6th ODI, Oval, 2007:
At second place, there would definitely be this Epic thriller in the history between the nations. Team India was already behind the series with 3-2 and one more loss means it was the end of the story here.
But this match has turned the tables one more time for India. England after winning the toss decided to bat first, the decision goes against them when they have lost their 5 wickets at the score of 137. But the one big partnership between Owais Shah and Luke Wright of 106 runs for the 6th wicket put them back into the contest. Towards the end of innings there was another stunning performance came from Dimitri Mascarenhas who has 5 Sixes in the over of Yuvraj Singh to help the scoreboard reach at 316/6 in 50 overs.
Indian Openers have started off very well with 150 run partnership for the first wicket in 22 overs. Looked here they could easily cross the line with a star studded batting line up. From 150/0 to 234/5 – the batting crumbled once again and it was left to Young Dhoni and Uthappa to help India and they have fought back but Dhoni got departs at the crucial point of match at the score of 294/6 – here fans have lost the hopes but still uthappa was here some hopes were alive – with 2 more wickets down while at the score of 309/8 it was all over – England pacers were on the top – but you can predict the victory till the last wicket is not down – 8 runs required of last 4 balls – Uthappa in his style smashed the boundary to next two balls to level the series 3-3.
3. India Vs England, 6th ODI, Mumbai, 2002:
Well this time England team was trailing by 2-3 in series and the decider of series came to the final match of series.
Batting first England team, posted a decent total on the board 255/10 in the 50 overs with the well consolidated knocks of Marcus Trescothick (95) and Nassier Hussain (41).
Coming into the chase, team India was in the chase when they were 155/2 at one stage – it was looking clear India will managed to cross the line easily. But middle and lower order collapsed in the front of England Seamers and lost the Match with 5 runs and series the ended in a draw with 3-3. While gesture from Flintoff was different when he pulled off t-shirt and ran over the ground after the final wicket.
4. India Vs England, 5th ODI, Delhi, 2002:
Team India was already up in the series with 3-1 and with one more victory they have easily lift the trophy. Cricket is a game of uncertainty and that's what fans have witnessed in this match.
After winning the toss, team India forced England to bat first and they have posted some fighting total on the board with 271/5 in the 50 overs the Innings was well contributed by Nick Knight (105) and Andrew Flintoff (52).
Coming into the chase, team India was struggling at 100/3 at one stage but one big partnership between Ganguly and Kaif of 111 run for the 4th wicket put the team back into the game. With 211/3 it was looking to target was possible but twist was there to come and this time it was Ashley Giles who have breached the defense of Indian Star batting line up and took the next five wickets in addition of 28 runs on the board – Ajit Agarkara tried hard at the end to cross the line but couldn't helped it and India lost the match with 2 runs.
5. India Vs England, 2nd ODI, Bristol, 2007:
After facing the defeat in the 1st game of 7 match series – team India was looking to get back into the series. Although, the series was regarded as one of the greatest series between the two counties with the some most nail biting contests in series.
After winning the toss, team India decided to bat first on the green surface against the England fast pacers. Team India completely stunned the English crowd with some class batting of Indian Top 4 batsman. But it was widely remember the knock of Dark night of team India Rahul Dravid who scored 92 runs of 63 balls while remains unbeaten. The top 3 batsman contributed really well with the impressive knocks from Sachin (99), Yuvraj (49) and Ganguly (39) to help India posted a Score of 329/7 in the 50 overs.
Coming into the chase, home team looked confident from the start while put on 76 run partnership for the first wicket. With 176/3 at one stage to 240/7 they have lost the momentum completely but down the order there was some great hitting from Dimitri Mascarenhas and Stuart broad while put on 59 run partnership for the 8th wicket in a quick fashion but they couldn't help it as required run rate was going out of reach and they have lost the wicket of Dimitri Mascarenhas which have ended the hopes of England team and they lost the match by 8 runs.
