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India and defending champions England will clash in the T20 World Cup 2024’s second semi-final at Providence Cricket Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27. Amidst the anticipation surrounding this highly anticipated match, former England cricketer Paul Collingwood lauded Jasprit Bumrah as the world’s top cricketer.
This semi-final rematch between India and England recalls their 2022 encounter, where England’s 10-wicket victory in Adelaide eliminated India from the tournament, paving their way to clinch the championship title.
Paul Collingwood – Jasprit Bumrah is the best cricketer in the world at this moment
Following a pivotal moment, Team India underwent a strategic transformation in T20I cricket. They shifted from relying on established stars to adopting an aggressive style, proving effective.
India remains unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024 and seeks redemption for their 2022 semifinal loss to England. They aim to face South Africa in the final at Kensington Oval on Sunday, June 29.
Reflecting on the upcoming semifinal, Collingwood cautioned England about the challenge posed by Jasprit Bumrah, who is in exceptional form. He suggested England’s best strategy would be to attack Bumrah early to thwart his impact in the match in Guyana.
Paul Collingwood said on Star Sports: “I think if you had a piece of paper and had to pick a cricket team, in any form of the game, Jasprit Bumrah would be the first name going on that list right at the top. It is as simple as that. He is the best cricketer in the world at the moment. The skill level, the pace, and the deception that he has in T20 cricket are incredible.”
Paul Collingwood – Attacking Jasprit Bumrah could dishearten India
Yet, Collingwood emphasized England’s current aggressive cricket style, suggesting that targeting Bumrah early could sway the game’s outcome. He cautioned England’s batsmen against adopting a cautious approach when facing the Indian bowler.
Collingwood signed off by saying, “You saw Travis Head get after Bumrah a couple of times, in the Australia match. And the impact it has if the opposition takes down your spearhead could dishearten the Indian cricket team. So that is an approach that England may take, but it is a risky one because we know how skillful and how many wickets Bumrah can take.”
Bumrah has been outstanding in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, claiming 11 wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 8.54 and an economy rate slightly above 4. His standout moment was against Afghanistan during the Super-8 match, where he delivered his best figures of 3/7.
