Going into Sunday's encounter, India will have the psychological advantage of thrashing England 4-0 in the longest format (Test) while fifth-placed England will aim to win their first ODI series in the subcontinent since 1984-85. England won the first tour match against a strong India A side led by MS Dhoni. However, India A under Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy hammered the visitors in the second game at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Here let’s look at the top England performances against India in ODIs:
1. Ian Bell 126 not out Vs India at Southampton (Aug 21, 2007): In the first match of the seven-match ODI series against India in 2007, England started on a positive note. Ian bell was the best performers for England. His ton powered England to a massive score of 288 runs in 50 overs. Ian Bell was unbeaten on 126 runs. In end it was England who won the game by a huge margin of 104 runs. Ian Bell earned a man-of-the-match award.
2. Kevin Pietersen 111 not out Vs India at Cuttack (Nov 26, 2008): This was the fifth ODI on their tour to India. England raced away to a good score of 270 runs in their 50 overs. Kevin Peterson’s 111 was the main reason behind this score. His unbeatable partnership with Owis Shah gave England this opportunity to reach to that total. However, the visitors failed to defend their fine looking total.
3. Andrew Strauss 158 Vs India in Bangalore (Feb 27, 2011): In the famous tied match of ICC World Cup 2011, Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell threatened India to chase down the target of 338 in 50 overs. Andrew Strauss 158 helped England to get close to a win. It was the first tied match World Cup 2011. Andrew Strauss earned a man-of-the-match for his wonderful effort.
4. Alastair Cook 102 Vs India at Southampton (Aug 21, 2007): The test captain also had a good ODI career. His knock of 102 runs in the 1st ODI was his best performance against India. His 188-run second wicket partnership with Ian Bell (26) ensured that England could post a good total. England beat India by 104 runs.
5. Andrew Fintoff’s 99 at at Kennington Oval, London (September 3, 2004): An amazing all-rounder, Andrew Flintoof played a gem of an innings in the first One-dayer of the Natwest Challenge series and share a record fifth-wicket stand of 174, which rescued England from a mid-innings slump. After a cautious start, the batsmen broke free to set an imposing total of 307. He also picked one wicket and affected a run out of Indian opener Saurav Ganguly. India's innings could not really pick up at any stage they were eventually bowled out for 237. Flintoff was awarded man-of-the-match for hi 99-run knock.