The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals as England, aiming to become the first men’s team to retain the title, lock horns with a hungry Indian team desperate to end their trophy drought.
England stands just two victories away from etching their names in history. They enter the knockout stages on a strong note, but face a resurgent Indian side seeking their first T20 World Cup win since the tournament’s inception in 2007.
Paul Collingwood’s insights
Former England cricketer Paul Collingwood believes India poses a serious threat, particularly with the in-form Jasprit Bumrah leading their bowling attack.
“India, with their well-rounded squad, stands out particularly for Jasprit Bumrah’s current form. He’s fit, accurate, fast, and highly skilled. No team seems to have an answer for him. In a 120-ball game, having someone like Bumrah with his pace for 24 balls makes a huge difference. India has looked confident even in tough situations and on difficult pitches in America. Their batters, like Rohit Sharma who played a magnificent innings against Australia, seem to be back in form. Honestly, I can’t see India losing this time. England will need something extraordinary to beat them,” the T20 World Cup-winning captain was quoted as saying to Star Sports.
Bumrah has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament, picking up 11 wickets in just six matches with a miserly economy rate of 4.08. His performances have been pivotal in India’s journey to the Super Eights, and he’ll be a crucial asset for Rohit Sharma’s men in the high-pressure knockout stages.
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“He’s the best cricketer in the world at this moment”: Collingwood
Collingwood doesn’t shy away from even calling Bumrah the best cricketer in the world at present.
“I think if you had a piece of paper and had to pick a cricket team, in any form of the game, Jasprit Bumrah would be the first name going on that list right at the top. It’s as simple as that. He’s the best cricketer in the world at this moment. The skill level, the pace, the deception that he has in T20 cricket is incredible,” he added.
With England needing a monumental effort to overcome a confident Indian team spearheaded by the in-form Bumrah, the upcoming semi-final promises to be a nail-biting encounter that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
