Defending T20 champions England will be looking to secure their place in Saturday’s final at Kensington Oval by beating India.
England, which beat India by ten wickets to win the title in 2022, will be looking for a repeat performance.
Conversely, India is the only one not to lose a single game in this tournament.
unconvincing journey to the Semi-Final
England’s performance in this World Cup has been mixed. The reigning champions lost to bitter foes Australia and had their game against Ireland rained off. Consequently, this forced the champions to beat Oman and Namibia, hoping Australia would beat Scotland. Whilst it all worked out in the end, as England progressed to the Super Eights, their journey has been entirely convincing.
England’s main issue is their struggle to fit all their talented players into the side. Sam Curran, who was Man of the Match in the T20 World Cup Final, has spent more time on the sidelines. Chris Jordan started the opening games but was dropped after the Australia defeat as he struggled with his death bowling.
England’s batting has been mediocre at times. The side that changed white ball cricket under predecessor Eoin Morgan has struggled to find any fluidity. Although England are through to the semi-final and in contention for retaining their title, they need to improve vastly.
What can England expect from India?
England will be under pressure from the start, with Rohit Sharma in good form after smashing 92 runs off 41 deliveries in India’s last game. Kohli will stabilise the innings, while the middle order looks to accelerate the scoring towards the backend of the innings.
After surviving the batting assault, England should expect a fired-up Jasprit Bumrah to showcase his skills. The Indian bowler has shone this campaign alongside Arshdeep Singh, who has had 15 wickets. The England batsmen should be careful in the field, as Jadeja’s fielding is always a threat when taking quick singles.
India will look to avenge their embarrassing ten-wicket loss in the 2022 World Cup as England thrashed India. While Hales and Buttler were with the bat, the bowlers dominated India to restrict their score. India knows for a fact how much of a low that performance was and will be looking for revenge.
Three Lions Captain Jos Buttler knows his side has the experience to beat India. Most of this squad was part of the 2019 and 2022 World Cup wins. India may be the favourites for tomorrow’s game, but they know they cannot underestimate the reigning champions.
Who will win, India or England? Comment your predictions below.
