T20 World Cup 2024: Key Matchups to watch out for in India vs England semi-final at Guyana on June 27.
The much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final between India and England promises to be a thrilling encounter. The stage is set in Guyana, where the cricketing world will witness a high-stakes battle reminiscent of the 2022 semi-final clash in Adelaide. With both teams boasting world-class talents, key matchups will be crucial in determining the outcome of this marquee game.
Here are the critical battles to watch out for:
India Openers vs. Jofra Archer & England Openers vs. Jasprit Bumrah
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli vs. Jofra Archer
Rohit Sharma (191 runs in six innings) and Virat Kohli (66 in six innings) are crucial to India’s batting. Rohit is aggressive, while Kohli anchors the innings. Jofra Archer, England’s ace pacer, will aim to break this partnership early. Archer has previously succeeded against Rohit, conceding only 14 runs in 15 deliveries and dismissing him once in their three T20I encounters. However, Kohli has scored 55 runs off 38 balls against Archer without being dismissed, though his recent struggles could favour the pacer.
In this T20 World Cup, Archer has taken nine wickets with a 7.02 economy rate in seven games. In the Super Eights’ final game against USA, he conceded 16 runs in three overs without taking a wicket. Rohit is coming off a brisk 92-run innings against Australia, while Kohli was out for a duck in the same game.
Jos Buttler and Phil Salt vs. Jasprit Bumrah
England’s openers, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, have been consistent. Buttler has scored 191 runs in the tournament at an average of 47.75, while Salt has 183 runs at an average of 45.75 and a strike rate of 166.26. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, will be key to stopping them. Bumrah has dismissed Buttler four times in T20Is and has an impressive economy rate of 4.08, picking 11 wickets in this World Cup. His yorkers and slower deliveries make him a potent weapon.
Kuldeep Yadav vs. England’s Middle Order & Adil Rashid vs. India’s Middle Order
Kuldeep Yadav vs. England’s Middle Order
Kuldeep Yadav has been effective in this tournament with his left-arm wrist spin, boasting an economy rate of 6.25 and 7 wickets. England’s middle order, featuring Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook and Sam Curran, will face a tough challenge.
Moeen has hit Kuldeep for 49 runs in three innings but was dismissed twice. Bairstow has struggled against wrist spin, with Kuldeep dismissing him once in nine balls. Livingstone, known for aggressive batting, will have to be cautious against Kuldeep’s variations. Kuldeep has bowled 17 balls to Livingstone in other formats, conceding only 18 runs and taking his wicket once.
Read More: T20 World Cup 2024: Carefree Rohit Sharma gives perfect demonstration of modern day T20 batting
Adil Rashid vs. India’s Middle Order
Adil Rashid, England’s experienced leg-spinner, will be crucial against India’s middle order. Rashid has 119 wickets in 113 matches. Rishabh Pant has scored 26 runs off 17 balls against him without being dismissed. Suryakumar Yadav has 39 runs off 17 balls but has been dismissed twice. Hardik Pandya has scored 44 runs off 41 balls at a strike rate of 107.3 with 16 dot balls. Shivam Dube hasn’t faced Rashid at the international level but is known for hitting spinners well. Rashid also has a notable record against Kohli, dismissing him nine times in international cricket.
The semi-final clash between India and England promises to be a high-octane battle with key matchups that could swing the game either way. The performances of star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial. With both teams having strong line-ups, fans can expect an exciting and closely-contested match.