Over two decades have passed. Generations have changed hands. However, since 2001, every time India and England lock horns on the cricket pitch, the word ‘Lagaan’ rings in special memories. Did the images of Aamir Khan hitting the six off the last ball, coincide with your thoughts? We don’t blame you if it does.
A product of the Aamir Khan Productions, the movie was a masterclass, with cricket, in the background. The movie depicts how a team of 11 villagers from Champaner took on the arrogant British Indian Army officers and ended up defeating them.
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On Thursday, in Guyana, Rohit Sharma led Team India has the golden opportunity to do Lagaan, once more against England. The occasion is the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The winner earns a spot in the final, while the loser goes home.
The stakes are high, if not higher, like the last time, these two teams last met in a T20 World Cup fixture in Adelaide in 2022. Back then, England hammered India by 10 wickets. Jos Buttler-led-side also went on to lift the T20 World Cup in Australia.
The war of words has already begun. Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes India doesn’t stand a chance in the semi-final.
“Nasser thinks India is not good enough. And I think England will beat India in Guyana and South Africa will be too good for Afghanistan so it will be a South Africa versus England final.”
England has emerged as a strong contender, but their passage into the Super 8s wasn’t smooth. They lost to Australia in the group stage and South Africa in Super 8s. This shows that England is vulnerable, and there lies India’s chance of winning the semi-final.
On the contrary, India is yet to be beaten in the tournament. The Blues have registered six straight wins – three in the group stage, and three in the Super 8s. Their most famous win in the tournament came against arch-rivals Pakistan.
England vs India – Head-to-Head in T20Is
India and England have taken on each other 23 times in T20Is. The Blues lead the tally with 12 wins, while England has emerged victorious 11 times. England has also won two out of the last three T20Is played against India. In T20 World Cups, both teams have faced each other four times. Both India and England share honors with two matches apiece.
Come June 27th, the saying – sharing is caring would be thrown out of the window. Both India and England would look to outclass the other.
Is this time for India’s revenge and take full Lagaan from England or will Jos Buttler and Co. aggravate the past wounds?
