Women's World Cup T20: India to meet England in semi-final
A washout at the Sydney Showground secured South Africa a berth in the ICC Women's World Cup T20 semi-final. The Proteas who ended up topping the group B will lock horns with Australia in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup at the SCG. This also means that second-placed England will take on India in the first semi-final. Here is more.
India will look to extend their unbeaten run
India are the only unbeaten side in the tournament alongside South Africa. They have won all their four matches against Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka respectively. For India, Shafali Verma is their highest run-scorer with 161 runs in four innings, while Poonam Yadav leads the bowlers' chart, having taken nine wickets. Shafali has also struck nine sixes, the most in the tournament.
England won three and lost one in the group stage
England haven't looked back following a crushing defeat to South Africa in their opener. They later registered huge victories against Thailand, Pakistan and West Indies respectively. While England's Natalie Sciver is the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 202 runs, Heather Knight (193 runs) occupies the second spot. In the bowling section, Sophie Ecclestone and Anya Shrubsole are only behind India's Poonam Yadav.
England have the upper hand going into the semis
Notably, India have lost all the five games against England in the Women's World Cup history. Overall, the two teams have faced each other 19 times in the shortest format so far. England have won 15 and lost four. India have won only one of their last six T20Is against England. In all likelihood, the upcoming semi-final will be a high voltage clash.
Ground, Pitch report, timing and TV listing
The match will be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. This venue in Sydney is well known for assisting spinners. The conditions at this venue are usually favourable for the batswomen. Hence, high scoring game is expected. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Hotstar. The game will start at 9:30 AM IST.
