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BCCI VP Shukla Confident India Will Beat England in T20 WC Semifinal

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has expressed strong confidence in Team India's victory ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal against England. The match will be played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, with India entering after a crucial win over West Indies. That victory was anchored by a match-winning 97* from Sanju Samson, securing their semifinal spot. England, led by Harry Brook, come into the clash on the back of five consecutive tournament wins.

Key Points: India vs England T20 WC Semifinal: BCCI VP Confident of Win

  • Shukla confident of India's victory
  • Semifinal at Mumbai's Wankhede
  • India beat WI in must-win Super 8s
  • England on five-match winning streak
  • Samson's 97* key in previous win
2 min read

"I am confident that India will win": BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla ahead of Men in Blue's semifinal clash against England

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla expresses confidence in Team India ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal clash against England at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

"I am very confident that Team India will win and enter the final. - Rajeev Shukla"

New Delhi, March 4

The Board of Control for Cricket in India vice president Rajeev Shukla expressed confidence in Team India winning their upcoming semifinal match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, against England on Thursday at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Speaking to ANI, BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla, on Wednesday, said, "I am very confident that Team India will win and enter the final."

Defending champions India are set to clash against two-time T20 World Cup champions England at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. India will be coming into the semifinal clash after registering a dominant five-wicket win over West Indies in both teams' last Super 8s clash, which was a must-win fixture for both teams as they were tied on points.

England, led by Harry Brook, on the other hand, enter the semifinal on the back of five consecutive T20 WC wins across the league stage and the Super 8s.

Suryakmar Yadav-led India found themselves in a tricky spot after facing a heavy 76-run loss against South Africa in their opening game of the Super 8s stage. Against West Indies, they found themselves in a must-win situation. Credit to Sanju Samson's match-winning 97*, Team India registered a comfortable five-wicket win over West Indies to seal their semis spot.

In the match, India won the toss and elected to field first. Roston Chase (40 in 25 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Shai Hope (32 in 33 balls, with three fours and a six) put on an opening stand of 68 runs for first wicket, but WI slipped to 119/4 in 14.1 overs, despite a fiery cameo by Shimron Hetmyer (27 in 12 balls, with a four and two sixes). It was the pair of Jason Holder (37* in 22 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Powell (34* in 19 balls, with three fours and two sixes) who put on a fiery stand of 76 runs in 35 balls, taking WI to 195/4 in 20 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah (2/36 in four overs) was India's leading bowler, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya dropping a spell of 1/40 in four overs each.

In the run-chase, India was reduced to 41/2 within the powerplay. It was a 58-run stand between Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (18), which brought the chase back on track. Then Samson went on to stitch partnerships with Tilak Varma (27 in 15 balls, with four boundaries and a six), Hardik Pandya (17) and Shivam Dube (8*), taking India to a five-wicket win.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Mumbai, the atmosphere is electric! England is a strong team, but India's comeback after the SA loss shows real character. That partnership between Samson and SKY was crucial. Fingers crossed for Thursday!
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Rohit P
Confidence is good, but we must not be overconfident. England has won five in a row for a reason. Our middle order, apart from Samson, needs to be more consistent. Fielding and death bowling in the last match were a bit concerning. Hoping for a solid all-round performance.
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Priya S
Sanju Samson deserves all the praise! He played a gem of an innings under pressure. If he and Surya get going at the Wankhede, no total is safe. Jai Hind!
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Aman W
The whole nation is behind you, Team India! Wankhede will be a sea of blue. Just handle Brook and Curran well, and we are in the final. Chak De India! 💙
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Kriti O
It's going to be a nail-biter for sure. England's batting is explosive. Our bowlers need to be at their absolute best. But yes, the belief is there. Let's do this for the fans!

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