New Delhi England will have to put in an extraordinary performance to beat an in-form India in the T20 World Cup semi-final, according to former all-rounder Paul Collingwood, who feels the 'Men in Blue' are unlikely to lose. the grudge match against the defending champions.
India and England will meet on Thursday in a replay of the 2021 final four legs match in Adelaide, which Jos Buttler and his men won by 10 wickets.
"Honestly, I don't see India losing this time. England will need something extraordinary to beat them," Collingwood said at the Star Sports Press Room.
Jasprit Bumrah has been in sensational form with teams like former champions Australia and Pakistan struggling to score against him. Collingwood believes the pacer's four overs would decide the development of the game.
"India, with their full squad, stands out particularly for the current form of Jasprit Bumrah. He is fit, precise, fast and very skilful. No team seems to have an answer for him.
"In a 120-ball game, having someone like Bumrah with his pace for 24 balls makes a big difference. India have been confident even in difficult situations and on difficult pitches in the US.
"Their batsmen, like Rohit Sharma, who played a magnificent innings against Australia, seem to have returned to form," he added.
In the past, the playing field in Guyana has favored players by slowing down as the game progresses.
Spinners have dominated here and pacers get some help early on, but teams have reached scores of 170-180 in the ongoing World Cup.
"The matchup will be magnificent, with both teams adopting an ultra-aggressive approach. The surface in Guyana will be crucial. On a flat pitch, England have the advantage with their ability to dominate teams. However, a slow and rotating game The tone would favor India."
Collingwood feels India has moved on from its conservative approach, which led to its downfall in the 2021 edition.
"The earlier plan was to attack India aggressively from the beginning. However, a team like India cannot be surprised by that tactic. In 2022, when India batted first, we knew we could restrict them. Back then, India played conservatively. Especially in the first 10 overs, and then I tried to catch up.
"But India's approach has changed. They understand that this strategy will not allow them to win the World Cups. They need to take risks, be brave and express themselves freely.
"This new mentality could be criticized if it fails, but to win World Cups you need to be at the forefront and adapt to what other teams are doing globally."
England were 45 minutes away from being eliminated from the group stage, but have since made a strong case in their favor.
"England have the ability to improve their game in the qualifiers. Somehow they manage to play freely and without any pressure. I remember the Adelaide match, where India scored the goal.
"England now play a more aggressive style, especially in the top order, when they set their own totals. This makes their next match against India even more dangerous," Collingwood said.
India and England will meet on Thursday in a replay of the 2021 final four legs match in Adelaide, which Jos Buttler and his men won by 10 wickets.
"Honestly, I don't see India losing this time. England will need something extraordinary to beat them," Collingwood said at the Star Sports Press Room.
Jasprit Bumrah has been in sensational form with teams like former champions Australia and Pakistan struggling to score against him. Collingwood believes the pacer's four overs would decide the development of the game.
"India, with their full squad, stands out particularly for the current form of Jasprit Bumrah. He is fit, precise, fast and very skilful. No team seems to have an answer for him.
"In a 120-ball game, having someone like Bumrah with his pace for 24 balls makes a big difference. India have been confident even in difficult situations and on difficult pitches in the US.
"Their batsmen, like Rohit Sharma, who played a magnificent innings against Australia, seem to have returned to form," he added.
In the past, the playing field in Guyana has favored players by slowing down as the game progresses.
Spinners have dominated here and pacers get some help early on, but teams have reached scores of 170-180 in the ongoing World Cup.
"The matchup will be magnificent, with both teams adopting an ultra-aggressive approach. The surface in Guyana will be crucial. On a flat pitch, England have the advantage with their ability to dominate teams. However, a slow and rotating game The tone would favor India."
Collingwood feels India has moved on from its conservative approach, which led to its downfall in the 2021 edition.
"The earlier plan was to attack India aggressively from the beginning. However, a team like India cannot be surprised by that tactic. In 2022, when India batted first, we knew we could restrict them. Back then, India played conservatively. Especially in the first 10 overs, and then I tried to catch up.
"But India's approach has changed. They understand that this strategy will not allow them to win the World Cups. They need to take risks, be brave and express themselves freely.
"This new mentality could be criticized if it fails, but to win World Cups you need to be at the forefront and adapt to what other teams are doing globally."
England were 45 minutes away from being eliminated from the group stage, but have since made a strong case in their favor.
"England have the ability to improve their game in the qualifiers. Somehow they manage to play freely and without any pressure. I remember the Adelaide match, where India scored the goal.
"England now play a more aggressive style, especially in the top order, when they set their own totals. This makes their next match against India even more dangerous," Collingwood said.
