Guyana

Even before the 2024 T20 World Cup began in the Americas, the broadcasters, the Indian Team, and cricket fans worldwide all knew if the Men in Blue topped their group and Super 8s, they would be playing their semis clash in Guyana, something England head coach Matthew Mott feels could advantage them. Ahead of the marquee T20 WC semis tie between India and England at the showpiece event on Thursday (June 27), Mott shared his thoughts on what’s keeping India’s nose ahead.

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With two semi-finals in one day and the final within 48 hours, the ICC decided against providing a reserve day for the second semis clash (between India and England). With the rain likely playing a spoilsport in the Guyana game, India, for topping their group, would advance to the final, leaving the English camp and fans furious over the whole scenario.

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“We knew all about it from the start, and that's a decision way above my pay grade,” Mott said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “And to be honest, I think it could be an advantage for them.”

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“It's something we've known about since the start of the tournament, so to cry foul over it now probably doesn't make a lot of sense,” the English coach continued.

“I'm not going to lie: it would be great to have a reserve day because the weather can change from day to day, but I think there will be enough time to get some cricket in… Maybe that's something the ICC need to look at, [in the] long term,” he added.

England’s run to the semis

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England haven't had the best of runs this tournament as they were staring at an early exit, considering their start, with a draw against Scotland and a loss against the mighty Aussies in their next match. However, two massive wins in their Group B saw them qualify for the Super 8s.

Unlike India and South Africa in the Super 8s, who were unbeaten throughout, England lost one match against the Proteas but beat the USA and West Indies to reach the semis. 

Considering how hard they had to fight for the final four finish,  bowing out because of rain would be unfair on England.

“The advantage for us is we feel like we've had to scrap and claw our way through this tournament. Then when you get into the semi-finals, you feel really match-hardened for that cut-and-thrust of knockout stuff,” he said.

Meanwhile, India and England faced off in last edition’s semis, where the Buttler-led team emerged victorious by ten wickets. 

(With inputs from agencies)