India will be up against England in Thursday’s 2nd semi-final clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. India claimed the top place in the Super 12 Group 2, winning four and losing one game. Meanwhile, England finished second in Group 1 behind New Zealand. Jos Butter’s side claimed three wins and had a game washed out, besides losing one. Both sides are equal when it comes to diversity in the ranks. India have slightly better batting, whereas England’s pace attack is world-class. In a high-voltage clash, one expects the stakes to be high in a packed Adelaide Oval. Here we present the complete match preview and predicted winners.
Can India clear the semi-final hurdle?
India reached the semis of the 2016 T20 World Cup, losing against West Indies. And then, in the 2019 50-over World Cup, India fell short versus New Zealand in the semis. So now, it’s a chance for India to banish the jinx and go a step further. Batting-wise, India will pin their hopes on Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Both players have been in top form. Rohit Sharma has struggled, and the options below Suryakumar aren’t convincing enough. So a severe test awaits India’s batters. Bowling-wise, Arshdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar hold the key in the first six overs. Mohammed Shami’s presence also lifts the side. Spin twins Axar Patel and R Ashwin will need to be decisive in their approach with some big hitters in that England unit.
England have the pedigree to cause issues
For England, the likes of Dawid Malan and Mark Wood are doubtful. However, the latter has a better chance of playing. Malan’s absence means Phil Salt will come in. Malan has struggled to make any impact so far. England will rely on Alex Hales and Jos Buttler for the heroics upfront. Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes have crucial roles up their sleeves in England’s middle order. Bowling-wise, barring Wood, Sam Curran has done a superb job so far. Chris Woakes is in the mix as well. Adil Rashid will handle the spin department alongside Moeen and part-timer Liam Livingstone.
India are the predicted winners
India go into this match as the favorites. Of late, India have done well versus England, and the overall look of the team means India will have that extra bit of edge. Kohli and Suryakumar could be the match-winners.
India have the edge over ENG (H2H)
In terms of the H2H record, India have a slender 12-10 lead over England out of 22 matches played so far.
Key details about the pitch, timing, and TV listing
The pitch at the Adelaide Oval will assist batting. Anything around the 160-165 mark will promise aplenty. Notably, teams batting first have won 7 of 14 matches here. Both pacers and spinners will be handy.
One can watch the India vs England second-semi-final encounter live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on Hotstar (paid). The match will start at 1:30 PM IST.
Predicted Playing XI of IND
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, B Kumar, M Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Predicted Playing XI of ENG
Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid
Batting records that can be attained in this match
Kohli has 3958 runs at 52.77 and is 42 shy of the 4000-run mark. He will be the first to attain the same. Rohit has slammed 344 fours and is six shy of 350. Rahul has hit 99 sixes and is one short of 100. Hales (1987) needs 13 runs to amass 2000 runs. Buttler (2496) is four short of 2500 runs.
Bowling records that can be attained in this match
Sam Curran (38) can surpass Andre Russell (39) and Daniel Vettori in terms of wickets. Rashid (90) can steer clear of Chris Jordan to become England’s most successful bowler. Bhuvi is two wickets away from surpassing 90. R Ashwin needs three scalps to touch 75.
Dream11 Fantasy Option 1
Batters: KL Rahul, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Moeen Ali
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Arshdeep Singh, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Dream11 Fantasy Option 2
Batters: R Sharma, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Moeen Ali
Bowlers: Chris Woakes, Arshdeep Singh, A Rashid, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Dream11 Fantasy XI: Ideal captaincy choices
Suryakumar Yadav: He has amassed 1026 runs in 2022 to lead the chart. Surya has drawn a lot of praise from every corner, given his versatility and 360 range. He can make a difference for India with a superb show.
Sam Curran: With 10 scalps from four games, Curran has done a remarkable job. His variations, cutters, and slower balls can trick the best in business. Curran can also play the big shots if required.
Dream11 fantasy: Ideal vice-captaincy choices
Virat Kohli: He is the top run-scorer in the ongoing tournament. Since the Asia Cup, Kohli has been in solid form with the willow. He is timing his shots well, and there is a purpose and belief.
Alex Hales: Hales can be the difference maker for England. He is a solid customer with the bat, and a positive start alongside Buttler is what he will want. Hales played well in England’s last Super 12 match versus Sri Lanka.