India will require a “special performance” to overcome a “street-smart” England cricket team in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, bowling coach Morne Morkel said on Wednesday.
The high-stakes clash takes place at Wankhede Stadium, with 35,000 passionate home fans expected to pack the stands.
India seeking another hero
India reached the last four after Sanju Samson struck a sparkling 97 not out to guide a successful chase of 196 against the West Indies in Kolkata.
Morkel said someone would again need to “put their hand up” to keep India’s dream of a home World Cup triumph alive.
Familiar semi-final rivalry
This marks the third consecutive T20 World Cup in which India and England meet in the semi-finals.
- 2022: England crushed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide and went on to win the title.
- 2024: India beat England convincingly in Guyana before lifting the trophy.
Both previous winners of this semi-final matchup went on to claim the championship — adding extra weight to Thursday’s showdown.
England a ‘dangerous’ side
Despite a shaky group stage, England surged through the Super Eights with wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Morkel praised their depth and fearless style.
“They’re a team that’s street smart. Their batting is deep, which makes them very dangerous. With the ball, they’ve got a lot of attacking options.”
He described the contest as a “shoot-out between two aggressive teams.
No detail overlooked
India’s preparations have been meticulous. Training on Tuesday night was reportedly delayed by an hour to avoid coinciding with a lunar eclipse, considered inauspicious by some.
Morkel played down the superstition, focusing instead on the quality of the session.
Meanwhile, South Africa face New Zealand in the first semi-final, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s final.
All eyes now turn to Mumbai for what promises to be another gripping chapter in the India–England T20 rivalry
