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India, led by Rohit Sharma, are poised to reach their first T20 World Cup final since 2014 as they prepare to face England in the semi-finals at Providence Stadium in Guyana.
India vs England
This match revisits the intense rivalry from the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final, where England dominated with a comprehensive ten-wicket victory on their way to clinching the title. India will this crucial clash on the back of an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, showcasing consistent performances in both the group stages and the Super Eight. In contrast, England have navigated a more challenging path, scraping through to the semi-finals.
Jos Buttler and Phil Salt: England’s destructive opening pair
Jos Buttler has been the linchpin of England’s campaign, leading from the front with his exceptional batting performances. His recent blitz of 83 not out off just 38 balls against the United States of America (USA) exemplified his destructive capability, propelling England to a swift victory and securing their place in the semi-finals as the first team to qualify.
Buttler’s form poses a significant challenge for India, who must devise effective strategies to contain him and disrupt England’s batting momentum early in the innings. His partnership with Phil Salt at the top of the order adds to England’s formidable batting lineup, making early breakthroughs crucial for India’s chances.
Also READ: Alyssa Healy reveals Rohit Sharma’s unstoppable quality ahead of IND vs ENG Semifinal 2 | T20 Men’s World Cup 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin’s strategic insight
India’s veteran off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, sharing insights on his YouTube channel ahead of the crucial 2024 edition semi-finals, has proposed a strategic adjustment for Team India. Ashwin suggested utilizing left-arm spinner Axar Patel with the new ball against England on Thursday.
“Axar Patel in powerplay, especially considering Jos Butler’s match-up against him. He gets him out very often. When you consider that, is that an exceptional case where you can use Axar? It has been Axar’s World Cup. Might not be in terms of wickets or runs. But wherever he turns, in that crucial change-maker, Axar has come three times,” Ashwin said.
Emphasizing Axar’s craftiness and impressive form throughout the tournament, Ashwin highlighted his potential to unsettle English openers. According to Ashwin, Axar’s variations and strategic acumen could pose significant challenges for the English batters, disrupting their early momentum and providing crucial breakthroughs for the Men in Blue.
“A spinner like Axar Patel bowling to Jos Buttler and Salt, he has got two toys. He can bowl a fantastic arm ball. He can slow the ball down. He can also slide it in with the arm. Which makes it three toys in his favour. In the first over, the batter is still getting into the groove. So, when the intent is slightly less, these toys can hit him on the pad. The arm ball that he swings in the back foot, Salt is a tough back foot player. Jos Buttler’s trajectory is low. When you look at it, it is a good thing for Axar Patel to bowl the first over,” Ashwin concluded.
