India vs England predictions: Captain can star for hosts
- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have top scored twice each for India at this World Cup
- Rohit Sharma has the only ever T20I century on this ground
- Recommended bet: Rohit Sharma top India batter
India and England came into the Cricket World Cup as first and second favourites but the pair could hardly have had more contrasting tournaments.
Hosts India have won all five of their matches in dominant fashion, with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in their last match the most closely contested of their victories.
All of their matches have followed the same pattern, with Rohit Sharma’s side bowling first, managing to keep their opponents to a below-par total and chasing it with ease.
In almost total opposition to that has been England, who have lost four of their five matches, including defeats at the hands of Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Jos Buttler’s men also suffered a nine-wicket defeat against New Zealand and a record 229 run loss at the hands of South Africa.
Now the defending champions are simply looking to avoid further humiliation against India in this matchup.
Team news
Hardik Pandya remains out for India with a ligament injury that he suffered against Bangladesh and kept him out of the clash against New Zealand.
Other than that, India are likely to field a similar side to the one that beat the Kiwis.
England opted for an experienced line–up against Sri Lanka, with the likes of Harry Brook and Gus Atkinson missing out.
However as they now look to the future, expect the younger players to return here.
The stats
Despite their struggles, England have recorded the highest opening partnership in four of their opening five matches at this tournament.
India have managed most sixes in four of their five clashes, while England have only managed that feat once.
Mark Wood and Chris Woakes have failed to take a wicket three times each already at this World Cup.
Jos Buttler has scored 20 runs or less in his last four innings at this tournament.
Prediction
Integral to India’s success at this year’s World Cup has been the efforts of their top order.
Each of them has taken their time to shine and this time it could be captain Rohit Sharma’s opportunity to star.
The opener has knocks of 46, 48, 86 and 131 in his last four innings and could put an England bowling attack that is low on confidence to the sword.
Sharma has enjoyed success on this ground before, he is the only player ever to make a century in a T20I innings here and could put in a strong performance once more.
Expect the captain to lead from the front and top score for this rampant Indian side.
