India know New Zealand await as they prepare for England semi-final showdown at Wankhede
India and England walk out at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Thursday evening knowing exactly what is on the line. New Zealand's comprehensive demolition of South Africa on Tuesday night means the winner of this semi-final will face Mitchell Santner's side in the final at Eden Gardens on March 8.
Finn Allen's century changes the picture
New Zealand were expected to face a tough fight against an unbeaten South Africa, but Finn Allen's 33-ball century turned the semi-final into a one-sided affair. The Kiwis chased 170 in just 12.5 overs, and they will enter the final full of confidence after one of the most dominant knockout performances in T20 World Cup history.
For India and England, that changes the calculation. Whoever wins on Thursday will not face a weary opponent. New Zealand have time to rest and prepare, and Allen's form makes their top order one of the most dangerous in the tournament.
India's selection dilemma
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has a call to make on his spin options. Varun Chakravarthy has been the preferred mystery spinner throughout the tournament, but reports from multiple outlets suggest Kuldeep Yadav is in the mix for a starting spot. The Wankhede pitch has traditionally offered something for slow bowlers, and Kuldeep's left-arm wrist spin could be the variation India need against England's aggressive middle order.
The likely XI has Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opening, with Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar in the middle order. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel provide the all-round depth, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh lead the pace attack.
England's power-hitting threat
England will back themselves with the bat. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler at the top are capable of taking any bowling attack apart in the powerplay, while Harry Brook has led from the front as captain throughout this tournament. Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks give England batting depth all the way down to number eight.
Their bowling leans on Jofra Archer's pace and the spin duo of Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed. Liam Dawson adds control through the middle overs. It is a balanced attack, though India's batting lineup at home will test every option.
A packed Wankhede under the lights
The match starts at 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT). India are the defending champions and playing on home soil, but England have shown enough quality in this tournament to make this a genuine 50-50 contest. The loser goes home. The winner goes to Kolkata to face a New Zealand side that just put on one of the great World Cup batting shows.
