New Delhi: Had India been told they would have England and one of South Africa or Afghanistan to battle it out against for the trophy at the start of this T20 World Cup, they would have gladly accepted it. They might argue about the semi-final draw, but India couldn’t have asked for a better top four than this as they continue their bid to end an over a decade-long trophy drought.
India are arguably the favourites to lift the trophy with England being the biggest hurdle on their way to glory. The horrors of November 19 would still be fresh in the minds of millions of Indian fans. But it could finally be time for Rohit & Co. to sweep aside their miseries from the past and focus on the ultimate prize as they stand just two steps away from a second T20 World Cup title for the country.
India have once again shown that they are the team to beat in the tournament with their dominant runs to the semi-finals. They brushed aside Ireland and Pakistan comfortably before managing a scrappy win against USA in what was yet another low-scoring thriller. India carried on the momentum in the Super Eight where they had a fairly easy run compared to the group stage where they played in treacherous trains in New York.
India were up against a spirited Afghanistan side in their Super 8 opener and downed them comprehensively to extend their unbeaten run before thrashing Bangladesh to make it two wins in a row. India were up for their sternest test against Australia in their final Super 8 game but they flexed their muscles in style to become the first team from Group 1 to qualify for the semi-finals.
Why India might not get a better opportunity to end their ICC trophy drought?
A look at the semi-final pool will tell you the story. India not only are the strongest on paper but have momentum on their side and up against teams, who they have an edge against when it comes to high-pressure games. India’s biggest challenge will be to stop England in the semi-final in what will be a replay for the semi-final between the two teams from the last edition of the tournament in 2022.
England had hammered India by ten wickets before eventually clinching the trophy. The defending champions are not too far behind in terms of the quality in their ranks when compared to 2022 as they still are a dangerous side with a clear philosophy and an attacking brand of cricket that has worked wonders for them.
England are a batting powerhouse and have one of the most versatile bowling attacks in the tournament. However, India will back themselves to come out on top in the crucial semi-finals against Jos Buttler & Co. and reach their first final in a T20 World Cup since 2014. If India can overcome England, they will be up against a team that has never featured in a T20 World Cup final before.
Both South Africa and Afghanistan have never made it to the summit clash of a T20 World Cup and will be playing their first final on Saturday, June 29. While Afghanistan’s rise from the rubble to the top of the sport has been nothing short of inspirational, only time will tell if Rashid Khan’s men have what it takes to go the distance in a major event.
The ‘chokers’ tag has often been associated with South Africa in ICC tournaments as the Proteas have managed to come close on several occasions but are yet to win a World Cup across formats. When taken into account, the pedigree of the potential second finalist, India couldn’t have asked for a better opponent to be up against in the final than Afghanistan or South Africa, keeping aside their current form.
India thus have a golden opportunity to finally shun their knockout horrors and lift their first major ICC trophy since 2013. The Men in Blue have featured in a staggering 5 finals and 4 semi-finals of major ICC tournaments since their last triumph in 2013 but have failed to go the distance. The T20 World Cup 2024 presents them with a perfect opportunity to end the dismal run and add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
India have a golden opportunity to cap off their dominance with the elusive trophy and end their long-standing ICC title drought in the T20 World Cup 2024. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
