T20 World Cup 2022, India vs England: Key Face-offs

Jos Buttler and Rohit Sharma (Source: One Cricket)

India and England will be facing each other in the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The winner of this match will be taking the field against Pakistan in the grand finale at MCG on the 13th of November. 

India and England were engaged in a bilateral series ahead of the World Cup. Having played against each other recently, both the teams will have an idea about the strengths and weaknesses of each other. 

There will be player battles within the match that will certainly play a major role in determining the fate of the match. 

Jos Buttler vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

In this tournament English batting have depended largely on the two openers. They have given some decent starts to the team on which the middle order and the lower middle order have capitalised with some fiery cameos. 

Hence, Jos Buttler, the skipper of the English contingent becomes an essential part of their batting plans. While he will be opening the innings for England, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be handed over the new ball by India. 

A look into their history will give us an idea as to what might be the outcome of this contest. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Jos Buttler in T20Is (Source: One Cricket)

Balance of the face-off

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had the upper hand over Jos Buttler in T20Is. He dismisses Buttler on nearly every 6th ball , moreover the batter has not been able to score even at a run a ball against him. 

So, when these two take the field against each other in this match, Bhuvi might shift the match in India's favour very early. 

Virat Kohli vs Mark Wood

Virat Kohli has been the most consistent batter for India in this World Cup. While, Mark Wood has been leading the bowling attack for England. 

While Kohli comes out to bat in the match, England will look to get through the 'King's' defence with the extra pace of Mark Wood. But can the English bowler get the better of the 'Modern Master'? Well let us take a look into the history of the two player and try to find an answer. 

Virat Kohli vs Mark Wood in T20Is (Source: One Cricket)

Inference

If we go by the stats, we can safely say that Virat Kohli has owned Mark Wood in T20Is. He has a strike rate of well over 200 and has never been dismissed by Wood. 

So, don't be surprised if Kohli takes the attack to Wood immediately after he arrives at the crease. 

Liam Livingstone vs Mohammed Shami

Liam Livingstone is the X-factor for England in the lower middle order. He adds the dynamism and flexibility into the batting order, where the team management can use him to increase the scoring rate early in the innings or keep him in store for a strong finish. 

There might arise a situation in the match where Livingstone has to face Mohammed Shami, and the fate of this contest can be crucial to the context of the game. 

Mohammed Shami vs Liam Livingstone in T20Is (Source: One Cricket)

Inference

Liam Livingstone has completely dominated in T20s. They are yet to face each other in the international arena but in the IPL, Livingstone has scored at an awe stricking strike rate of 412 against Shami. 

Though the sample size is small and the encounters have taken place at Indian pitches, there is no denying the fact that Livingstone has enjoyed Shami's bowling. So, this time around, Shami will look to redeem himself against the batter and improve the stats. Also, the fact that Shami will be bowling on an Australian pitch this time might well change the momentum of this contest the other way. 

Suryakumar Yadav vs Adil Rashid

If Livingstone is the X-factor in the English batting then Suryakumar Yadav is India's answer to that. SKY has been in a brilliant striking form in this World Cup, he has been scoring runs at a strike rate of nearly 200. 

He will be out there for India in the middle overs, when England will operate with Adil Rashid. How Suryakumar handles Rashid will determine who takes control of the middle phase in the match. Thus, this face off can turn out to be the biggest factor in determining who goes through to the finals. 

Suryakumar Yadav vs Adil Rashid in T20Is

Inference

Whenever Suryakumar has faced Adil Rashid he has looked to attack. That is why he has strike rate of nearly 300 against him. Rashid has dismissed Suryakumar once but the rate at which he has conceded runs will be something he will try to improve for sure. 

If Suryakuamr can maintain the way he has so far handled Adil Rashid, India will surely have a big advantage in the competition. 

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