India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, will host England in a five-match T20I series starting January 12. This marks the fifth bilateral T20I series between the two nations in India, with the hosts having won the last two encounters at home.
Suryakumar, known for his innovative batting, enters the series with a stellar captaincy record of nine wins from ten matches, further bolstering India’s confidence as the reigning T20I champions. England, semifinalists in the T20 World Cup 2024, have been in impressive form since, registering a 3-0 win over the West Indies and a competitive 1-1 draw against Australia. The visitors will aim to test India’s dominance and capitalize on their recent success to challenge the hosts in what promises to be a riveting series.
Explosive batting powerhouses on both sides
Over the years, India and England have delivered thrilling T20I battles characterized by high-scoring games and spectacular individual performances. Both teams are loaded with aggressive stroke players who excel in power-hitting and run chases. England’s fearless approach with the bat contrasts with India’s calculated aggression, setting the stage for big partnerships and towering totals.
With explosive hitters like Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya in the mix, fans can anticipate a series filled with breathtaking stroke play and nail-biting finishes. The upcoming contests not only promise entertaining cricket but also underline the high standards and competitiveness of both teams in the T20 format.
Top 5 highest individual in the India vs England T20I series
5. Jos Buttler’s match-winning 83 not out anchors England to victory
In the third T20I of England’s tour of India on March 16, 2021, Jos Buttler showcased his brilliance with an unbeaten 83 off 52 balls, guiding England to an emphatic 8-wicket win in Ahmedabad. Chasing 157, Buttler displayed remarkable composure and calculated aggression, striking 5 boundaries and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 159.61.
Opening the innings, Buttler set the tone with precise timing and fearless hitting against a challenging Indian attack. His partnership with Dawid Malan (18) steadied the chase, and his unbroken 77-run stand with Jonny Bairstow (40* off 28) ensured England reached the target comfortably with 10 balls to spare.
4. Alex Hales’ unbeaten 86 leads England to a dominant win
In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final against India on November 10, 2022, Alex Hales played an extraordinary knock, smashing an unbeaten 86 off just 47 balls to power England to a stunning 10-wicket victory in Adelaide. Chasing 169, Hales dominated the Indian bowling attack, striking 4 boundaries and 7 massive sixes at a blistering strike rate of 182.97. His aggressive intent from the outset set the tone, nullifying any pressure in the high-stakes encounter.
Hales formed an unbroken 170-run opening stand with Buttler (80 not out off 49), a partnership marked by clean hitting and impeccable game awareness. Together, they dismantled India’s bowling unit, finishing the chase in just 16 overs and securing England’s place in the final.
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3. Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten century powers India to victory
In the third T20I at Bristol on July 8, 2018, Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass in batting, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 56 balls to guide India to a commanding 7-wicket victory over England. Chasing a challenging target of 199, Rohit’s knock, punctuated by 11 boundaries and 5 sixes, was a display of effortless timing and calculated aggression. Opening the innings, he anchored the chase brilliantly, pacing himself to perfection and ensuring India stayed ahead of the required rate.
Rohit found support from Virat Kohli (43 off 29) and Pandya, whose quickfire 33 not out off 14 balls sealed the win with 8 balls to spare. Earlier, England had posted a competitive 198/9, thanks to Jason Roy’s 67 and late cameos by David Willey and Chris Jordan. However, India’s bowling, led by Pandya (4/38), ensured the total remained within reach.
2. KL Rahul’s stunning century leads India to win
KL Rahul delivered a batting masterclass, anchoring India’s chase with a sublime unbeaten 101 off just 54 balls in the first T20I at Manchester. His knock, laced with 10 boundaries and 5 towering sixes, showcased his elegance and precision under pressure. Walking in to chase 160, Rahul started cautiously but quickly shifted gears, dominating England’s bowlers with effortless strokes. He formed crucial partnerships, including a brisk opening stand with Rohit (32), which set the tone for India’s chase. Rahul’s ability to rotate the strike and find the boundary at will ensured India crossed the target comfortably in 18.2 overs, sealing an 8-wicket win and earning him accolades for his match-winning performance.
1. Suryakumar Yadav’s lone battle ends in vain despite spectacular century
Suryakumar played an extraordinary knock of 117 off just 55 deliveries in the third T20I at Nottingham, yet India fell short by 17 runs in their chase of England’s formidable 215/7. Yadav’s dazzling innings featured 14 boundaries and 6 towering sixes, underlining his ability to dominate bowlers across the park. Despite his heroics, India’s innings struggled for momentum as no other batter managed to cross the 30-run mark.
England’s innings earlier was anchored by Malan, who smashed 77 off 39 balls, with key cameos from Livingstone and Moeen Ali bolstering their total. In the chase, Jordan and Reece Topley delivered at the death, containing India to 198/9. While Suryakumar’s knock stood as a testament to his brilliance, England’s collective effort ensured a consolation victory in the series finale.