Finally, a game of South Africa’s original stature witnessed, as they defeat Sri Lanka with 9 wickets in hand and 76 balls spare, and with same Sri Lanka now, too have a tough way ahead if they want a semi-final spot.
Match 38 will see one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, as the hosts and so-called favorites England take on unsubdued India.
England had a dream start to the tournament, but have appeared stumbling after two consecutive losses, whereas India is moving in commanding style as they are only unbeaten side so far in the tournament.
Of the 7 World Cup meets both the teams have three wins against each other, whereas 2011 World Cup match was tied, also England is yet to defeat India in World Cups after 1992.
Match Details
England vs India, Match 38
30 June, 3:00 PM IST
Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pitch and Weather Report
The weather will be fair and the temperature reaching as high as 25 degrees, which means an apt day for cricket.
Considering the last game played here, between Pakistan, New Zealand, the pitch has plenty to offer for spinners, and even a score of sub-300 will be competitive.
Squads
England
Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
India
Virat Kohli (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav.
Team News
England
Jason Roy’s injury has hit them hard, as top order struggled in last two games, though the good news is Roy is fit and will take the field on Sunday, which means Vince’s World Cup campaign is almost done.
Considering the current points table situation, a single win will not do the work for English men, they need to target both games from here on to cement a semi-final spot.
The bowling department has so far been acceptable in discharging the duties, whereas the batsmen have failed on a slow track.
Adil Rashid will be the player to watch out for, as the pitch has a lot to offer to him.
India
India has so far been a decent side in all three fronts, and have regained the no.1 spot in MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings with five wins in six games.
Considering the past couple of games the middle muddle situation has started to emerge again, and this can prove out to be fatal when the face England pace attack.
Vijay Shankar so far has not produced something to remember, so no doubts if Dinesh Karthik chips in the side, in his place.
Mohammed Shami is likely to retain his spot in playing 11 after tremendous bowling performance in both the games played.
A win here won’t just get them a semi-final berth but strengthen their chances to finish at no. 1 or 2 spots.
Fantasy Prediction
MS Dhoni, Jonny Bairstow, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Hardik Pandya, Moeen Ali, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, and Jofra Archer, Captain: Virat Kohli, Vice Captain: Joe Root.