(AFP Photo)
Former cricketers Andy Flower and Tom Moody have weighed in on the upcoming semifinal clash between India and England in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Flower and Moody offered differing opinions on which team might emerge victorious in this crucial encounter in Guyana. Led by Rohit Sharma, India is set to take on Jos Buttler’s England at Providence Stadium on Thursday, June 27. India secured three wins in Group 1 during the Super Eight stage, while England finished second in their respective group.
Andy Flower – Jasprit Bumrah, The Best White Ball Bowler In The Game
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Andy Flower expressed his belief that India are the frontrunners for the upcoming match. He emphasized that Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah pose significant challenges for England, noting that the playing conditions in Guyana are likely to benefit India. Flower also acclaimed Bumrah as the top performer among white-ball bowlers globally.
“Well, I spoke about these two threats that twin threat of Kuldeep wrist spin and Bumrah, the best white ball bowler in the game. I think in those conditions in Guyana, India will come through,” Andy Flower said.
During their discussion, Tom Moody expressed his inclination towards backing England for a change. He concurred with Andy Flower’s view that India possesses an ideal blend for the conditions in Guyana. Moody commended the selectors for their astute squad choices ahead of this World Cup campaign.
“I’d like to say England, just so we’ve got a point of difference on the show, but I tend to agree that I think India have got a team that is perfectly balanced for the conditions in Guyana. And you’ve got to give credit to the selectors for the balance of the side that they have selected for this World Cup because they’ve got it absolutely spot on,” Tom Moody said.
India and England have met four times in T20 World Cups, each team securing two victories. India triumphed in 2007 and 2012, while England prevailed in 2009 and most recently in 2022, when they defeated India by 10 wickets in the semi-final.
Concerns loom over potential rain disruptions during the highly anticipated India vs. England match. With no reserve day scheduled due to only a one-day gap before the final, the ICC has allocated an additional 250 minutes to accommodate rain delays.
In the event of a washout, India would advance to the final as they topped Group 1 during the Super 8 stage. England, finishing second in Group 2, would face elimination. The winner of the semi-final will face South Africa in the final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
