Rewinding back to the last T20 World Cup, one of the two semi-finals saw India being smashed all over the park by England’s Alex Hales and Jos Buttler. Fast forward to 2024, it is once again India pitted against reigning T20 World Cup champs England, vying for a place in the final. While England has scraped its way to the semis, the same cannot be said for India, who have been utterly dominant. But will India continue its dominance against the English? That's the question to be answered.

India

Like any successful T20 team, India’s success in this tournament has been on the back of its bowling unit. While the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah has been the undeniable MVP, he has found an able sidekick in Arshdeep Singh. The spinners have also come to the party, with Hardik Pandya’s form with the ball also holding India in good stead. As for the batting, India has had to cope with a string of low scores from Virat Kohli, but players like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant have chipped in at various points. The Indians have momentum on their side and will fancy their chances of erasing the painful memories of the 50-over World Cup final from last year.

Predicted XI: Rohit (c), Virat, Pant (wk), Surya, Dube, Hardik, Axar, Jadeja, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Arshdeep

England

England has had a rather interesting journey to the semi-finals. They have had to play catch-up from the start, relying on Australia to make it out of the group phase. Their opening pair of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler holds the key, although their spin wizard Adil Rashid may be the most important piece. At a venue where swing could come into play, watch out for Jofra Archer and Sam Curran.

Predicted XI: Salt, Buttler (c&wk), Bairstow, Brook, Livingstone, Moeen, Curran, Rashid, Archer, Jordan, Topley

Key Match-Ups

Topley vs Rohit

It isn’t a secret that Rohit Sharma and India in general have had their problems against left-arm pace. Rohit Sharma has succumbed a few times to left-arm swing already this tournament, and he is up against another quality bowler in Reece Topley. However, Rohit did take down Mitchell Starc in the previous game, which should give him a lot of confidence. Only time will tell if Rohit can ace the battle yet again!

Bumrah & Arshdeep vs Buttler & Salt

This is perhaps the most intriguing battle in the semi-finals. Buttler and Salt have been rampant at the top of the order, while Arshdeep and Bumrah have been scintillating with the ball. Both English openers are known to go hard at the bowlers from ball one, but can they replicate what occurred in 2022?

Just a few hours to go to find out who will emerge victorious and secure a place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final!

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