Ahead of the highly anticipated semifinal clash against defending champions England in Guyana on June 27, the focus turns to India’s impressive run in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. The Rohit Sharma-led side has been dominant, emerging as the group toppers in the Super Eight stage.
India’s Road to the Semifinals
India’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign has been a tale of consistent and clinical performances. They began their journey by comfortably dispatching Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts the USA in the group stage. A washed-out match against Canada in flood-hit Florida was the only blemish in their group-stage proceedings.
The Men in Blue then carried their momentum into the Super Eight round, registering comprehensive victories over Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the reigning 50-over world champions Australia. This unbeaten run has propelled India to the semifinals, where they will face a stern test against the formidable England side.
India’s Semifinal History in T20 World Cups
India’s experience in the T20 World Cup semifinals has been a mixed bag. In 2007, they defeated Australia by 15 runs in Durban, with Yuvraj Singh’s blazing 30-ball 70 laying the foundation for the victory. India went on to win the inaugural T20 World Cup that year, defeating Pakistan in the final.
In 2014, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 72 off 44 balls helped India chase South Africa’s 173-run target with five balls to spare. However, they fell short in the final against Sri Lanka.
The 2016 semifinal against the eventual champions West Indies saw India post a challenging 192-2, thanks to Kohli’s 89-run blitz. But the Windies chased down the target with two balls to spare, powered by Lendl Simmons’ unbeaten 82 and Andre Russell’s 43 not out.
Most recently, in the 2022 edition, India succumbed to a comprehensive defeat against England in the semifinal. The Indian top-order struggled, and Jos Buttler and Alex Hales’s unbeaten 170-run opening stand ensured a comfortable victory for the eventual champions.
India will be eager to rewrite their semifinal history and book a spot in the final when they take on England on June 27. With their dominant form and the experience of previous campaigns, the Men in Blue will aim to clinch their second T20 World Cup title.
