Aditya ChaudhuriAfter almost a month of action-packed cricket, we have reached the penultimate game of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World as England face India in the second semi-final.
With a spot in the final up for grabs, both teams will be hoping to put on their best show at the biggest stage.
As we get ready for this blockbuster, here’s a preview.
Also watch: Is this Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli’s final T20 World Cup?
Men’s T20 WC 2024 Match 54 || Semi-final 2: India vs England | 20:00 IST, June 27
Following an important win over Australia in their final Super Eight game, India made sure they would take on England in the second semi-final, which, taking place in Providence, should be one where the team with the more clinical bowling unit take the win.
Spinners will be key here, and both teams boast world-class spinners such as Kuldeep Yadav, Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. We might even see Liam Livingstone roll his arm over in the semi-final should the need arise.
The Indian batting line-up would generally be favourites in these conditions, but given Virat Kohli’s woeful form and Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav’s inconsistencies, it won’t be an easy outing with the bat for the Men In Blue.
The English batters, on the other hand, have been explosive, with Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow doing majority of the heavy-lifting. Harry Brooks has also been solid in a couple of innings when needed, but the English middle and lower order haven’t really been tested. Ideally, Jos Buttler would want to keep it that way, but if the Indian bowlers send the top four back to the hut quick, India could make this a very short encounter.
These two teams are powerhouses in modern day cricket, especially in T20Is, and I expect nothing less than a thrilling encounter here. I have India as favourites to win this one, with Rohit Sharma and his men looking to extract revenge for a devastating loss in the semis of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Fantasy XI: Rohit Sharma, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Hardik Pandya, Chris Jordan, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer
Venue: Providence
Winner Prediction: India
