Rain could make an unwanted appearance in the marquee ICC T20 World Cup second semi-final clash between India and England, on Thursday at Adelaide. Cricket fans are awaiting this clash with high anticipation following India’s recent form in the T20 World Cup, where they just lost one match and finished as table toppers but rain could play spoilsport. Currently, there is a 20 per cent chance of rain.
“Partly cloudy. Slight (20%) chance of a shower. The chance of a thunderstorm this morning. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the late afternoon,” reads the forecast of Sunday as per Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.
If no play is possible on Thursday due to rain or wet outfield, then there is a reserve day in place on Friday. If no play is possible on Friday as well, then India will progress to the final as they finished as table toppers while England finished at the second spot in their group.
The stage is set for a high-octane second semifinal clash between India and England at the ICC T20 World Cup in Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
India finished their Group Stage at the top of their group’s table, winning four out of their five Super 12 matches. A defeat to South Africa was the only blip in Men in Blue’s consistent performances during the group stage.
Indian batters have been solid for the most part. Suryakumar Yadav (225 runs in five matches with three fifties), and Virat Kohli (246 runs in five matches with three fifties) have carried the line-up.
Axar Patel is Men in Blue’s sole concern in bowling, with his economy rate exceeding nine. It would be interesting if Yuzvendra Chahal gets a chance in the high-stake semifinal.
England has had an up-and-down journey in Super 12. After a win over Afghanistan, their qualification chances dimmed after a loss to Ireland and the match against Australia was abandoned.
But strong showings against New Zealand and Sri Lanka brought them back into the competition and now they’re set to take on India.
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England’s deep batting line-up, running down to number 10 is their strength. Their lineup has some power hitters like Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali and Harry Brook who can whack bowlers from ball one. They can be lethal at Adelaide, where batting-friendly conditions prevail and boundaries are short.
England’s bowling unit has stepped up drastically, despite not being rated high initially. Sam Curran is England’s leading wicket-taker with 10, while Mark Wood has nine. Ben Stokes has also proved to be useful, having picked up five scalps at an economy rate of 5.90 per over.
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