The India vs England ODI rivalry is an intense rivalry marked by some competitive battles and memorable results. After their first ODI against each other in 1974, both cricketing giants have been involved in many high-stakes encounters. The rivalry has showcased unbelievable performances from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Andrew Flintoff. Iconic matches, such as the 2011 Cricket World Cup clash, which ended in a tie have made some unforgettable memories among the fans. The teams have played some quality cricket with a competitive spirit. This article is about India’s highest score against the Englishmen in the ODIs.
1. 387/5
387/5 is India’s highest score against England in the ODIs. England toured India in 2008 and played the first ODI on the 14th of November. Kevin Pietersen, the English captain, decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag got off to blistering starts and scored 51 and 85, respectively. It was then the Yuvraj Singh show, who scored 138 Not out of 78 deliveries, including 16 fours and six 6s. MS Dhoni, at the back end of the innings, scored 39 of just 32 deliveries. Rohit Sharma played a little cameo of eleven runs and helped India to get past the 380-run mark. In reply, England could only manage 229 and suffered a heavy defeat by 158 runs.
2. 381/7
England played the second ODI of their tour of India in Cuttack on the 19th of January, 2017. The Indian top order was demolished by the English pace attack, after Eoin Morgan decided to bowl first. The Indian middle-order roared back in style as Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni stitched a 250-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The southpaw made a comeback to remember as he scored 150 off 127, including 21 fours and three 6s. Former Skipper, MS Dhoni, also played a beautiful innings of 134 off 122, including ten fours and six 6s. England came close to India’s total but could not get over the line and lost the match by 15 runs.
3. 356/7
The first ODI of England’s tour to India in 2017 was played on the 15th of January in Pune. The small ground of Pune with a great batting surface has always offered a lot to the batters. India was given a target of 351 after electing to field first. England got off to a dream start as they dismissed both the Indian openers for just 24 runs. In came, India’s captain Virat Kohli, who played a sublime innings of `122. In his support was the MOTM Kedar Jadhav, who smashed 120 off 76 and helped India to get over the line with eleven balls remaining.
4. 338/10
One of the most iconic World Cup matches, India against England, in the 2011 World Cup, was nothing less than a complete entertainment package. India scored an above-par total of 338 on a flat Bengaluru track. Virender Sehwag gave a fiery start and scored 35 off 26. The master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, scored 120 off 115, followed by Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh with 51 and 58 runs, respectively. MS Dhoni’s cameo of 31 helped India to get to 338. In reply, England managed the same score as the match ended in a tie, and both teams shared the points.
5. 336/6
Another 330 plus total by India against the Englishmen came on the 21st of March 2021 in Pune. Skipper Virat Kohli played a gritty knock of 66, followed by KL Rahul, who scored a fine century (108 off 114). Rishabh Pant played a fierce knock of 77 off just 40 deliveries alongside Hardik Pandya, who finished the innings well with his knock of 35 off 16 balls. In reply, England played a positive brand of cricket and won the match with 39 balls remaining.
6. 329/10
Once again, the venue was Pune, a hard surface where the batters dominate. On the 28th of March 2021, India had to bat first, after losing the toss. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan scored 37 and 67, respectively. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya played valuable knocks of 78 and 64 to help India get to 329. India won the match by seven runs.
7. 329/7
India scored 329 once again against the Englishmen, but this time, at the loss of seven wickets. India played the second ODI against the hosts in Bristol and batted first after winning the toss. Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar opened the innings and made a 113-run partnership. Tendulkar, unfortunately, got out on 99. Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid scored 49 and 92*, respectively and took India to a big total. India won the match by nine runs.
8. 326/8
Another 320 plus total by India against England came at the home of cricket, the Lord’s. It was the final of the Natwest series, and India was chasing a score of 326. A 106-run partnership between Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly set the tone for a masterclass run chase. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif played great knocks of 69 and 87 and helped India to win the final. Skipper Sourav Ganguly waiving his Shirt at the iconic Lord’s balcony, is a sight that is forever etched in the history of the sport.
9. 324/6
India batted first at Leeds in the fifth ODI of the series on the 2nd of September 2007. Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar provided a great start and stitched a 116-run partnership, scoring 59 and 71, respectively. The two southpaws, Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, scored 51 and 72, respectively, and took India to 324.
10. 317/8
At last, we have a total of 317/8 by the Indians. On the 5th of September 2007, India chased down 317 at the Oval. Impressive performance by the batting unit helped India to get over the line. Openers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar scored 53 and 94, respectively. Gautam Gambhir, MS Dhoni, and Robin Uthappa scored 47, 35, and 47 to finish the innings in India’s favour.
