The last time India and England met in a Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final was 19 months ago in Adelaide, where a dominant opening partnership between Jos Buttler and Alex Hales led England to a commanding victory, prompting a strategic overhaul in India’s T20 approach.
This time, India brings more batting depth, versatile middle-order options, and a varied bowling attack. However, defending champions England, bolstered by the in-form Buttler and his new partner Phil Salt, will be formidable opponents.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, June 27
- Time: 10:30 am local
- Venue: Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
The Venue The Guyana National Stadium, with a seating capacity of 20,000, is located on the outskirts of Georgetown, near the Demerara River. Known for its spinner-friendly pitch, the venue has also offered some assistance to fast bowlers, with Afghanistan’s 183/5 against Uganda being the highest score in the tournament’s first round.
Path to the Semi-Finals India has remained unbeaten in matches played, with their only dropped points from a rain-abandoned game against Canada. Victories over Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Australia secured their top spot in Group 1 of the Super Eight.
England had a tougher journey. After a rain-affected match against Scotland and a loss to Australia, they needed big wins and favourable outcomes from other matches to progress. They advanced to the Super Eight on Net Run Rate and, despite a loss to South Africa, crucial victories over West Indies and USA secured their semi-final berth.
Squads
- India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
- England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
Team Selections India has maintained a consistent lineup throughout the Super Eight, substituting Kuldeep Yadav for Mohammed Siraj. With a balanced team featuring six bowling options, they may consider adding Yuzvendra Chahal given the spin-friendly conditions in Guyana.
England transitioned from a batting-heavy lineup to include four frontline pace bowlers, with Sam Curran and Chris Jordan providing batting depth at seven and eight. Possible adjustments could include bringing back Will Jacks as a part-time spinner or debuting Tom Hartley. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone’s part-time spin options provide flexibility in sticking with their current formula.
Conclusion With India looking to capitalize on their momentum and England aiming to become the first men’s team to retain the T20 World Cup, this semi-final clash promises to be thrilling, filled with strategic battles and high stakes.
