England. (Source – Getty Images)

The T20 World Cup 2024 has entered its business end as the Super Eights leg concluded in a gripping fashion. India and Afghanistan secured two spots from Group 1 to reach the semi-finals, while England and South Africa will represent the second group. Inaugural edition champions India will face defending champions England in the second semi-final.

It will be a repeat of the 2022 edition, where England handed a massive 10-wicket defeat to in the semis at the Adelaide Oval. Rohit Sharma and Co have exacted sweet revenge on Australia and stormed into the semi-finals and will be eager to do one more when they take on the English side at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.

The Men in Blue are unbeaten so far in the tournament, while The Three Lions have turned the tables in the run-up to the knockouts. They registered massive victories against West Indies and the United States in the Super Eights to seal a berth in the final four. It will be an interesting battle to watch out for as the two strongest teams lock horns with each other.

Meanwhile, here’s the strongest playing XI of England vs IND for the T20 WC 2024 clash:

Openers: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (c & wk)

Jos Buttler and Phil Salt have been England’s primary strength so far in the tournament. At least one of the openers has managed to perform well in almost every match. In fact, both are currently the highest run-scorers for England. Buttler amassed 191 runs in seven matches at an average of 47.75 and a strike rate of 159.17.

Meanwhile, Salt has scored 183 runs at 45.75 and an impressive strike rate of 166.36. Notably, Salt scored an unbeaten 87 off 47 against West Indies in the Super 8 clash and Buttler scored an unbeaten 83 off 38 against the USA in the last match. If both continue their fine form, the Indian bowlers will have to sweat a lot.

Check Here: T20 World Cup 2024: Most Runs

Middle-order: Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook

Jonny Bairstow has had a turbulent campaign so far in the tournament. He failed to maintain consistency and this resulted in England not getting the help they needed from the big hitter. Bairstow scored a crucial 18-ball 31 against Namibia in the group stage, and his next impressive knock came in the Super 8 stage against the USA, scoring an unbeaten 48 off 26 balls.

Harry Brook is the key strength for England in the middle-order. The right-hander has played a few impactful knocks in the series, including a superb 37-ball 53 against South Africa in the second Super Eights match. Though he failed to take his team home, it is a promising knock as England head into the knockouts.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran

The Englishmen are blessed to have quality all-rounders in their ranks, but whether they have got the desired results from them so far is a question. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone will join the spin department, while Sam Curran will contribute to the pace attack.

Livingstone scored a crucial 17-ball 33 against South Africa, while the remaining two all-rounders failed to make a significant impact in the last three matches. Notably, Curran was the Player of the Tournament in 2022, and the team will be hoping that the all-rounder will be at his best in the knockout stages.

Bowlers: Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers for England in the match against the USA. The right-arm pacer took four wickets at an economy of just 3.50. While star pacer Jofra Archer has taken four wickets in the last three matches, Reece Topley’s failure to pick up a single wicket in the Super Eights phase is a concern for the management.

Adil Rashid was adjudged Player of the Match against the USA. The right-arm leg-spinner took two crucial wickets, conceding just 13 runs in four overs. He is a vital part of England’s bowling attack and could be a big threat to the Indian batting. It would not be surprising if England used him in the powerplay to counter Virat Kohli.

Also Check: Most Wickets: T20 World Cup 2024

ENG’s Predicted XI for the game against IND:

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley