So, India’s road to the T20 World Cup 2026 is virtually locked. After a poor start to their Super Eights with a loss to South Africa, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side resumed normalcy as they mauled Zimbabwe to keep in contention. Now, a virtual quarter-final awaits against a mighty West Indies unit. The winner of the IND vs WI clash at Eden Gardens on March 1 will face England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium.
England await India at T20 World Cup semis
On what should’ve been a tough stage in Sri Lanka, England outplayed all three opponents in their Super Eight groups. They first defended a low score against Sri Lanka before confirming their qualification on the back of a stupendous hundred by captain Harry Brook against Pakistan. Now, yesterday, the two-time champions topped their group by scrapping through a tough team in New Zealand, with Will Jacks continuing his incredible tournament.
Now, with that, England are confirmed to play the team that finishes second in Group 1. While mathematically, all three of South Africa, India and the West Indies can finish second, the points table is more or less sealed. Two games remain from Group 1. South Africa vs Zimbabwe, where South Africa’s win will guarantee their top spot. Meanwhile, the India vs West Indies game is obviously a do-or-die clash, where the winner will qualify for the semis.
India happy to play England?
Considering India’s incredible batting and a world-class bowling unit, India will enter the Eden Gardens as favourites against the Caribbean outfit. If they manage to beat them, England will await the Men in Blue in a repeat of last year’s T20 World Cup semi-final on March 5. Eventual champions India recorded an easy win over the Three Lions by 68 runs at Providence in 2024.
However, this time, the clash may be more tightly contested. England’s batting has an incredible depth, as shown in the game against New Zealand. They adapted to the Sri Lankan conditions wonderfully well despite their team being more suited to play in India. Jos Buttler and Phil Salt are due to score runs, while Harry Brook and Jacks are in supreme touch.
Having said that, India are better equipped. The last time they faced England in a T20I, it came at the Wankhede Stadium only, and Abhishek Sharma blazed a scintillating 135 (off 54). He gave an outlandish beating to the English bowlers, who will have a tough task again bowling under lights in Mumbai. In a head-to-head comparison of the bowling units, India are perhaps miles ahead of England, and that is where the game might be won for the defending champions.
India vs England – T20 World Cup Results
| Winner | Margin | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 68 runs | Providence | 27 Jun 2024 |
| England | 10 wickets | Adelaide | 10 Nov 2022 |
| India | 90 runs | Colombo (RPS) | 23 Sep 2012 |
| England | 3 runs | Lord’s | 14 Jun 2009 |
| India | 18 runs | Durban | 19 Sep 2007 |
