2 days Ago By Mohammed Yousuf
The much-anticipated semifinal clash between India and England in Georgetown is shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. Initially slated for Trinidad, the match was relocated to Guyana for undisclosed reasons, adding to the intrigue. Unlike the first semifinal, this match lacks a reserve day, a decision that has raised eyebrows.
Mike Atherton highlighted the inconsistency, noting, “Two different playing conditions for the two different semifinals.” Although extra hours have been allotted to ensure a result, the weather forecast remains unpredictable, with potential rain threatening the match. The game could face delays from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and there’s a possibility it may not take place at all—a prospect that might not bother India.
Adding to the uncertainty is the enigmatic Providence Stadium pitch. Its unpredictability poses a challenge: PowerPlay run rates are at 6.4, drop to 5.
5 in the middle overs, and peak at 7.6 in the death overs, suggesting a low-scoring contest. The boundary percentage for World Cup matches here stands at approximately 50 percent.
This ground witnessed Afghanistan’s shocking victory over New Zealand, where they restricted the Kiwis to a mere 75 runs. The venue has been unkind to favorites, raising the question of who holds the upper hand in this clash—the top-ranked, unbeaten India or the defending champions England? The teams have history, having met in the 2022 semifinal in Adelaide, where England handed India a resounding 10-wicket .
