Indian women vs England in T20 World Cup semis

Sydney, March 4: Firm title contenders after a sensational unbeaten run in the group stages, India will have to ensure a solid all-round performance to get the better of formidable England in the semifinals of the ICC women’s T20 World Cup here on Thursday. India have been the best side so far and they would be seeking their maiden final appearance in the showpiece’s history with a win over England on Thursday.

In the earlier seven editions, India have never reached the final but this time, they have emerged as serious title contenders after a string of superlative performances. They began the tournament with a win over defending champions Australia and since then have gathered strength with every match, beating Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka to top group ‘A; with eight points from four matches.

The Indians are in red-hot form, but history favours England as they have won all the five matches played between the two sides in this tournament.

The last time, the two teams met in a T20 World Cup, England won by eight wickets in the semifinals in West Indies. Before that, India lost in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2016 editions, all in group stages. “After losing the last semifinal, as a team we realised we have to work as a unit, and right now you will see that our team is working as a unit and we are not reliant on just one or two players,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.

Seven players in this Indian team played in that semifinal and they would be looking to turn the tables on the Englishwomen this time.

ENGLAND WARY OF POONAM AND CO. England captain Heather Knight feels tackling spinners, particularly the inform Poonam Yadav, will be crucial to her side’s chances of upstaging an unbeaten India.

“We’ve practised for her a lot, I thought we played her outstandingly in the last T20 World Cup and that was due to the preparation we had,” Knight said.

“We don't have (assistant coach) Ali Maiden anymore, who bowled brilliant legspin, but we've got a few coaches who have bowled it brilliantly and we’ve been really clear on how we’re going to do things against her,” she added.

“She’s a massive threat for them and is an improved bowler since the last World Cup,” Knight said.