The semi-final 2 of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Team India and England is underway at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Speaking about the match, former Team India cricketer Nayan Mongia feels that the clash will turn out to be a tough one for both teams. However, he also feels that the “Men in Blue” will have the last laugh in Mumbai.
“It is not going to be easy. This is a 50-50 match. The England Team is also performing well. There are rising players there, and there are experienced players too. India has the advantage of playing on Indian pitches…So, I hope that this will be a tough contest, but India will ultimately reach the final,” he said.
He also picked Hardik Pandya as his favourite player from the Indian team and is hopeful of witnessing him bat in the clash against the “Three Lions”.
“I have always said that Hardik Pandya is my favourite player. He is a fantastic all-rounder. So, I hope that if he gets the chance to bat, he will shine bright,” said Mongia.
In the match, England skipper Harry Brook has won the toss and elected to bowl first against the “Men in Blue”.
The “Three Lions” will enter the clash with just one change. Rehan Ahmed will make way for Jamie Overton.
The cricket fans present at the Wankhede Stadium will expect their homeboy Suryakumar Yadav to bring his `A-game`. Burly all-rounder Shivam Dube is also expected to deliver performances with the bat as well as ball in his homeground.
The team emerging victorious tonight will qualify for the title clash of the ongoing marquee event. The final is scheduled to be played against New Zealand on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final 2, IND vs ENG: Confirmed Playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
(With ANI Inputs)
