MUMBAI — England all-rounder Sam Curran says the team will approach its T20 World Cup semi-final against India without fear, despite facing the tournament hosts in front of a large home crowd at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
England will take on India on Thursday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final, with the winner advancing to the final against either South Africa or New Zealand. The match will be played before an expected crowd of around 35,000 fans.
Curran said England players are familiar with Indian conditions because many of them have participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which he believes helps reduce uncertainty ahead of the high-pressure encounter.
He noted that several members of the England squad have experience playing at venues such as the Wankhede Stadium, which could prove useful during the match.
Experience in Indian conditions
Curran said the opportunity to play India in a World Cup semi-final is one many players aspire to experience. He added that familiarity with local conditions and venues could help England handle the atmosphere created by home supporters.
England have already encountered an intense crowd environment at the same venue during their opening match of the tournament, where they narrowly defeated Nepal in a last-ball thriller.
In that match, Curran delivered the final over with Nepal needing 10 runs, conceding only five to secure victory for England.
Key role in England’s campaign
Curran has played an important role in England’s run to the semi-finals, contributing both with the ball and the bat. He has also bowled decisive overs in matches against Italy and scored valuable runs from the lower middle order, including a top score of 43 not out.
The upcoming match marks the third consecutive T20 World Cup in which England and India will face each other in the semi-finals. In the previous two tournaments, the winner of that contest went on to win the title.
England defeated India by 10 wickets in the 2022 semi-final in Adelaide before winning the final against Pakistan in Melbourne. In the next edition, India beat England in the semi-final and later defeated South Africa to claim the championship.
The other semi-final of the tournament will see South Africa face New Zealand, with the final scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
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