The stage for the semifinal rematch is set at Providence Stadium, Guyana. India and England will lock horns again but this time Rohit Sharma’s side has altered its approach for the shortest format of the game. Defending champions England’s captain Jos Buttler is wary of the “aggressive” India who have remained unbeaten in T20 World Cup 2024 so far and ready for the challenge.
“We're playing against very different India side here. The way Rohit leads his team and the way he bats, they play with a hell of a lot of freedom and try to be very aggressive,” Buttler was quoted as saying by The Standard.
“That was probably a shift for them after that (2022) tournament and they played like that in the 50-over World Cup as well. They're very confident in that style of play and we'll have to be ready for that. We know they'll be aggressive and we'll be the same,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.
Rohit made a statement with a fiery 92-run knock against Australia to help India beat them by 21 runs and put Mitchell Marsh-led side on the brink of elimination.
Different playing conditions for second semifinal – all scenarios explained
However, the spirits of players from both sides will be dampened by the weather conditions in Guyana. Both the teams were welcomed with thunderstorms. While the drainage system on Providence stadium is the best on Caribbean islands, the weather forecast does not look promising and there are chances of rain playing spoilsport.
The playing conditions for the second semifinal are different as well. There is no reserve day but extra 250 minutes have been allotted if rain or wet outfield causes delay in the proceedings. Also, unlike all T20Is, a minimum of five overs per side game won’t decide the outcome of the game. A minimum of 10 overs per side game will decide who will advance to the final.
In case the game gets washed out, it is bad news for England as they will be knocked out of the tournament. India will reach the final of T20 World Cup as they finished at the top of Group 1 in Super 8s with three consecutive wins.
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