India are unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024, while England have got to the semi-final with some hiccups
Match Details
England vs India, 2nd semi-final
Guyana, June 27, 10:30 am local time
Big Picture: Adelaide Redux
All great stories often start from a point of trauma. England’s rise from their humiliation in Adelaide at the 2015 ODI World Cup is well-documented. They shed their old mentality, embraced risk, trusted a new generation under the guidance of experienced heads, and reaped rewards, including concurrent World Cups in the 50 and 20-over formats.
The narrative of England’s journey remains uncertain, especially after a lackluster 50-over title defense in India and a skittish journey through the Caribbean, dominated by their brutal treatment of Associate opponents.
India’s own story intersected with England’s in Adelaide in November 2022 during their ten-wicket drubbing in the T20 World Cup semi-final. This loss spurred India to reassess their approach to foreign conditions, leading to significant changes in their strategy. This semi-final serves as a crucial test for India’s new methods, as they aim to end their decade-long drought at ICC events. The trauma of their recent losses, like the one to Australia in the 50-over final in Ahmedabad, has likely strengthened their resolve for this tournament.
England, contrastingly, have been grappling with the fear of failure, evident in their recent tournaments. The question is whether fulfilling the squad’s minimum expectation—a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup semi-final—can release them from this anxiety and help them harness their winning instincts.
Form Guide
- India: WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
- England: WLWWW
In the Spotlight
Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler
In a high-stakes match, the influence of the two captains—Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler—will be pivotal. Rohit’s aggressive approach against Australia in St Lucia and Buttler’s brutal 83 from 38 balls against the USA exemplify their game-changing abilities.
Adil Rashid and Kuldeep Yadav
Adil Rashid has been crucial for England, especially in the knockouts of the 2022 T20 World Cup, while Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin poses a significant threat to England, with Buttler’s own mixed record against him highlighting the potential challenge.
Team News
India
India has adapted to the conditions in Guyana with a spin-heavy lineup, with Hardik Pandya’s form as the third seamer providing additional options. They are likely to field an unchanged XI.
- Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (capt), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
England
England may consider adjusting their lineup to balance their bowling attack with the conditions, potentially reinforcing their batting with Ben Duckett in place of an additional seamer.
- Probable XI: Jos Buttler (capt & wk), Phil Salt, Will Jacks/Ben Duckett, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan/Reece Topley.
Pitch and Conditions
Guyana has been a challenging venue for run-scoring, with a low run rate and average score. Spin has been particularly effective, and there are ample extra minutes to accommodate potential rain delays. If the match is washed out, India will advance to the final as they topped their group in the Super Eight.
Stats and Trivia
- England lost their only previous completed T20I at Providence Stadium in Guyana.
- India has a positive overall head-to-head record against England in T20Is.
- Rohit Sharma recently surpassed Virat Kohli to become the top run-scorer in T20Is.
Quotes
“Both teams are going to go out there and throw punches at each other for 40-odd overs. It’s going to be a great contest. I think it’s the contest that everyone’s wanted to see, and we’re excited by it.”
— England’s head coach Matthew Mott
“Wherever we play, whether it’s bilateral series or ICC tournaments, the Indian cricket team is always under pressure. That’s the fact. Most of the guys are used to it, so it’s important to have a little bit of calmness in the dressing room.”
— India captain Rohit Sharma
