India could reach the finals without playing a match—here's why

India’s relentless quest to end an 11-year World Cup title drought reaches a pivotal moment as Rohit Sharma’s team faces defending champions England in the second T20 World Cup semifinal in Guyana.

After a heartbreaking six-wicket loss to Australia in last year's 50-over World Cup final, which was hosted by India and fueled great anticipation, the urgency for a title win has intensified.

Now, India has a chance to redeem itself. The in-form Indian squad will clash with an England team that barely advanced to the semifinals, relying on other results and faltering in the Super Eights with a loss to South Africa.

The winner of the India-England semifinal will face South Africa in the final on Saturday at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. South Africa secured their spot by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets in the first semifinal.

India’s players are haunted by their last T20 World Cup semifinal encounter with England, a crushing 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide, Australia, in 2022, which remains a low point in their World Cup campaigns. Jos Buttler, England’s current captain, was instrumental in that victory, scoring an unbeaten 80 as England chased down India’s 168-6 without losing a wicket. This time, England must find a way to overcome an Indian team that appears unstoppable.

Rohit Sharma has been outstanding throughout the tournament in the United States and Caribbean, scoring 92 in India’s recent win over Australia. Jasprit Bumrah has also been a key player, taking 11 wickets on various pitches in New York and the Caribbean.

However, both teams must contend with the weather, as rain is forecasted and could significantly impact the match. Extra time has been allocated to achieve a result, but in the event of a washout and without a reserve day, India will advance as the higher-placed team after the Super Eights.