15 of the 22 players expected to take the field in Guyana’s Providence Stadium today, for the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 , featured in this very fixture, with the same odds and same stakes, a couple of years ago in Adelaide. India and England met for a place in the final, and the latter emerged victorious. That was not a surprise, considering how England – the eventual champions – played in that competition.
What came as a shocker was the manner of defeat – India, in a rather demeaning fashion, succumbed to a 10-wicket loss. Not the core personnel group, but the team’s philosophy has changed considerably since then. The once timid, non-committal, safety-first approach gave way to intrepid, unabashed, stout-hearted cricket.
And, besides further advancement from the tournament’s perspective, they are now seeking vengeance. Having avenged 19 November 2023 only three days ago, with a 24-run triumph over Australia, India’s next target is to avenge 10 November 2022. Before they attempt to do so, let us have a look at five key player battles you should keep an eye on: ADVERTISEMENT REMOVE AD 1.
Rohit Sharma vs Jofra Archer Australia’s attempts to exploit Rohit Sharma’s vulnerability to left-arm pacers fell flat, as the Indian captain launched a fierce attack against Mitchell Starc, essentially knocking the wind out of the Aussies’ sails before they could devise a contingency plan. Sharma is expected to face another left-arm pacer in t.
