India and England‘s World Cup fixture was earmarked as a blockbuster clash the moment the tournament draw was announced. As two cricketing heavyweights who‘ve shared an intense rivalry over the years, there was palpable excitement among fans in the buildup to the latest chapter of this storied ODI rivalry.
The History
India and England have contested each other in over 200 ODI matches stretching back to 1974, making it one of the longest rivalries in the format. Their World Cup encounters have produced several classics such as the 1979 Lord‘s final, the electric Yuvraj Singh six 6‘s over and the nail-biting 2011 tie.
England have had the wood over India historically, winning 86 matches compared to India‘s 81 victories with 3 no results. However, India have closed the gap in recent years, especially at World Cups where the head-to-head record stands at 7-4 in India‘s favor. Adding context, the last five ODI contests between the two sides have been won by the chasing team. So there was intrigue around the toss and whether to bat or bowl first.
Leadup to the Match
The pre-tournament chatter tipped India and England as the favorites alongside defending champions Australia. England were hoping to clinch the first back-to-back World Cup double since West Indies in the 1970s. But they hit speed bumps, losing series to South Africa and Australia in the leadup.
Conversely, India headed into the World Cup top of the ODI rankings thanks to a settled squad. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikar Dhawan have registered the most 50+ opening partnerships in history while skipper Virat Kohli averages a Bradman-esque 60.5. India‘s steady progress to the semis contrasted with England‘s rocky title defense teetering on the edge.
The Buildup
Inside Mumbai‘s electric Wankhede Stadium, the atmosphere was frenzied in anticipation of a potential tournament-defining contest. "There‘s a special buzz whenever India and England lock horns in World Cups," said former England captain Mike Atherton. "The winner gains big momentum while the loser faces a steep road to the semis".
India were buoyed by an unbeaten run during the group stage. Moreover, playing in home conditions at their favorite venue provided additional confidence. England drew hope from Ben Stokes rediscovering his magic touch with a match-winning eighty against the West Indies.
Most experts tipped India‘s superior spin bowling and batting depth as potential trump cards. "India start favorites but write off England at your peril," Wasim Akram noted pre-match.
The Toss
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won his fifth straight toss of the tournament and opted to bat first. Citing dew in the evening, fielding second was deemed a potential disadvantage. England captain Jos Buttler admitted he‘d also have batted first. "These are the games you want to be involved in," Buttler said. The stage was set for a scintillating contest.
India‘s Powerplay Onslaught
Opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan provided India with an explosive start, racing to 83-0 at the end of the powerplay – the highest score during that phase at the tournament so far.
Rohit wasted no time finding his groove, unveiling his signature cover drives off Chris Woakes to get off the mark. He then took a liking to off-spinner Moeen, smashing him for 4,6,4,4 in a 22 run over showcasing supreme timing and hand-eye coordination.
At the other end, Dhawan bided his time outside off adhering to India‘s blueprint before unleashing straight drives down the ground off Wood. "India have started brilliantly thanks to a belligerent Rohit special," remarked former England captain Nasser Hussain.
Rohit proceeded to cart a short ball from Mark Wood into the top tier, depositing it 102 meters back for the first six of the day. In pristine form, ‘Hitman‘ perfectly exemplified attacking batting at its best – punching gaps or clearing them with nonchalant ease.
Meanwhile, Dhawan registered his 50th World Cup fifty before falling lbw to Rashid‘s slider for 57 off 63 balls. India sat pretty at 132-1 by the end of the 15 over powerplay overs.
Kohli‘s Masterclass
Star batsman Virat Kohli emerged to a typically raucous home reception. After cautiously playing out a testing opening spell from Rashid including a ripping leg break that beat Kohli‘s edge, he cut loose by driving Chris Jordan down the ground for four.
Kohli then produced an outrageous flick off his hips, sending a 150 km/h Wood thunderbolt screaming one-bounce to the midwicket rope. It was an emphatic display of weight transfer, supple wrists and perfect timing – vintage Kohli.
At the other end Rohit brought up his 27th ODI ton thanks to Vince‘s misfield at long off – his third century of this World Cup. In an ominous sign for England, the formidable duo of Hitman and King Kohli were firmly in the driver‘s seat on a lightning outfield.
"Rohit is toying with the English attack, finding gaps at will. Meanwhile Kohli looks sublime, seeing the ball early and playing beautiful cricket shots," said Ian Bishop, clearly in awe of the batting clinic unfolding.
The Final Onslaught
With wickets in hand heading into the death overs, India pressed down hard on the accelerator. Rohit shifted gears with two towering sixes beyond long on off Woakes. Rashid finally halted Rohit‘s charge in the 47th over with the innings‘ highlight moment – a sensational diving catch from Liam Livingstone. Rohit‘s dazzling 112 contained nine fours and five sixes.
Kohli marched onwards though, effortlessly clearing his front leg to deposit Jordan for six into the second tier. Kohli soaked the atmosphere in during his textbook hundred celebration. Cameos from Pandya and Jadeja lifted India to 328-6 off their 50 overs – their highest ever ODI total against England. Kohli remained unbeaten on 103 off 97 balls, striking eight boundaries at a strike rate nearing 100.
The Chase
Needing a record chase, England‘s task became dire after Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s spectacular opening spell. Bhuvi bent a late hooping inswinger through the gate to castled Roy‘s stumps first ball. England‘s torment continued when Shami extracted Bairstow‘s edge behind for just 11.
The early double blow left England reeling at 13-2 after just 16 balls. With 326 more required at nearly 7 runs an over, the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against an England comeback. However, English supporters stirred when Buttler struck Bhuvi downtown for six. Hopes elevated further as Stokes, promoted to number three, creamed four stylish cover drives that raced across the lush outfield.
But attempting to repeat his straight loft next ball, Buttler only managed a tame chip to Kohli at mid off. England‘s lionhearted captain departed for a run-a-ball 15. At 57/3 after the powerplay, England were in dire straits.
Stokes‘ Resistance
The stage seemed set for another Ben Stokes special. The talismanic allrounder transitioned into ODI anchorman mode to mount a solo resistance. He unleashed trademark pulls and lofted drives during his counterattacking half-century. Brief spirits of English resistance emerged while Stokes held court, keeping victory in distant view needing 8 an over.
Just when England harbored hopes of triggering a miracle, Pandya‘s golden arm found breakthrough. The bowling all-rounder‘s booming inswinger at 140 clicks induced Livingstone‘s false shot that looped straight to Pandya for a staggering one-handed pluck.
It was thecatch of the tournament – a freakish piece of athleticism that drew comparisons to Andrew Symonds. "That is an absolute ripper! One of the all-time great grabs," Ian Bishop roared. The stunned English dugout knew the writing was on the wall at 190-5.
The Denouement
Once Stokes departed slash-pulling to deep midwicket for 79, the last rites began as spinners Jadeja and Chahal stifled the run rate during the middle overs. Despite Dawid Malan‘s measured fifty, the asking rate soared beyond 11 an over. England eventually subsided for 245 all out as India romped to a thumping 83 run win – their biggest World Cup victory over England.
Key Takeaways
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Player of the Match Rohit Sharma‘s sublime 112 was a batting masterclass. By becoming the highest run-getter in World Cup history, Rohit demonstrated why he‘s an all-time white ball great.
"It‘s a nice milestone but staying in the moment is key," a modest Rohit said afterwards. -
Virat Kohli compiled another trademark World Cup ton, his 46th in ODIs overall. Kohli‘s regal strokeplay signifies why he averages 77 in ODI chases and remains the barometer of India‘s fortunes.
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Containing England‘s blazing start was critical according to skipper Rohit Sharma: "Taking those three early wickets was game-changing. Bhuvi set the tone." India‘s formidable new ball duo delivered again.
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Ben Stokes (79 off 61) played a lone hand for England but rued losing partners during his innings: "Losing key wickets at crucial times hurt us badly".
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England now face an improbable road to qualify for the semis according to simulations (13% chance). Conversely, India (96% chance) look safely through thanks to their seventh win from seven matches.
Looking Ahead
This intoxicating contest will be remembered as one of the all-time World Cup classics. England‘s card castle collapsed upon the foundation rocks of India‘s batting might and canny bowling. Eclipsing England‘s celebrated attacking brand of cricket with their own flavor, India showed why they deserve billing as tournament favorites.
As Indian supporters did the bhangra in jubilation, the England dugout was left to rue crumbling in key moments that tilted the game irrevocably India‘s way. Nevertheless, captain Buttler believes England can still sneak into the semis with two games left.
For India, their clinical all-round display showcased a team operating on all cylinders and filled with belief. With their semifinal ticket seemingly punched, they will chase the ultimate glory on home soil inch closer. But for now, India‘s stars will soak in a special win over their fiercest foes in front of an adoring home crowd.