Suryakumar Yadav and Harry Brook (Image credit: Agencies)

India and England have each lifted the T20 World Cup twice, and their rivalry in the semifinals has been perfectly balanced so far — one win apiece. Interestingly, on both occasions, the team that won the semifinal went on to clinch the title.Now, as the two heavyweights prepare for their third semifinal meeting in three editions at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, history beckons. The winner will have a shot at becoming the first nation to claim the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title three times. Alongside India and England, only the West Indies boast two trophies.

England triumphed in the 2022 semifinal, crushing India by 10 wickets before defeating Pakistan in the final. India returned the favour in 2024, overcoming England in the last four and then edging South Africa in a tense summit clash to secure their second crown.Who prevails this time? While conditions and numbers may slightly favour India, England’s big-match temperament makes them equally formidable.Overall, the two sides have met 29 times in T20Is, with India winning 17 and England 12. India are chasing further milestones — becoming the first team to defend a T20 World Cup title and the first host nation to lift the trophy.Their contests have rarely lacked intensity, and Thursday promises to be no different, with both teams expected to go all out.The journeys to the semifinals have been contrasting. England were the first to qualify, finishing unbeaten in Group 2 of the Super 8s with five consecutive wins. India, meanwhile, suffered a defeat to South Africa and only sealed their spot with a dramatic must-win victory over the West Indies.Earlier in the league stage, India topped Group A with a flawless record, while England finished second in Pool C after a loss to the Caribbean side.Though the semifinal will write a fresh script, memories at Wankhede add emotional weight for the hosts — from MS Dhoni’s iconic six to seal the 2011 ODI World Cup to Sachin Tendulkar’s teammates carrying him on their shoulders in celebration.India’s campaign has been defined by different match-winners stepping up at crucial moments. Abhishek Sharma struck his maiden fifty of the tournament in the Super 8s, while Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 in the must-win clash against West Indies proved decisive. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav set the tone early with a brilliant 84 against USA, and contributions from Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya have strengthened the batting unit. Suryakumar leads the scoring charts for India with 231 runs, followed by Ishan with 217.The bowling attack has been equally collective. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Hardik and Kuldeep Yadav have all chipped in with key breakthroughs, with Chakravarthy leading the wicket tally with 12 scalps. No single player has dominated consistently — but that shared responsibility has powered India’s run.England’s story mirrors that pattern. They too have relied on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks and captain Harry Brook have delivered vital contributions, even as Jos Buttler searches for top form. Brook tops their scoring list with 228 runs. With the ball, Adil Rashid has been their standout performer, claiming 11 wickets so far.The Wankhede pitch is expected to assist seamers early before settling into a batting-friendly surface. With hot and sunny conditions forecast and dew likely later in the evening, the toss could play a role, tempting captains to bowl first.Both teams appear settled after seven matches and are unlikely to tinker with their combinations. For India, that means another opportunity for Sanju Samson to build on his momentum.With over 35,000 fans expected to pack the stands, Wankhede will be a cauldron of noise. Under the lights, in front of a roaring home crowd, the side that holds its nerve will march into the final in Ahmedabad.Probable playing XIs:India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit BumrahEngland: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.