Advertisement

“I can’t see India losing, that’s my personal opinion”: Boof

Good luck to the West Indies and whoever faces India in the final of the World Twenty20 because they’re going to need it.

Mar 29, 2016, updated Mar 29, 2016
India's Virat Kohli celebrates after smashing  James Faulkner to knock Australia out of the World T20. Photo: Altaf Qadri, AP.

India's Virat Kohli celebrates after smashing James Faulkner to knock Australia out of the World T20. Photo: Altaf Qadri, AP.

That was the blunt of message of Darren Lehmann after he watched India master Virat Kohli end Australia’s hopes of an elusive T20 title.

“I can’t see them losing, that’s my personal opinion,” Australia coach Lehmann said.

“I think whoever won [between Australia and India] would go a long way in the tournament … everyone thinks that around the world.”

India were labelled tournament favourites a long time before the World T20 started and it’s a tag they will carry into the semi-finals of the competition.

India face West Indies in Mumbai, with the clash to start at midnight ACDT on Friday.

India, seeking to become the first side to win two World T20s and the first tournament host to triumph, are riding high after Kohli’s masterful 82 not out led them to victory over Australia.

Yuvraj Singh’s rolled ankle is one of few concerns for Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

“I don’t know whether we should make changes, but it is possible, depending on the wicket. We have to see Yuvraj’s injury as well,” Dhoni said.

“We would definitely like to have a replacement ready if the physio says it is bad.”

InDaily in your inbox. The best local news every workday at lunch time.
By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement andPrivacy Policy & Cookie Statement. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

West Indies are coming off their first defeat of the event, a shock six-run loss to Afghanistan.

New Zealand are up against England in the other semi-final, which starts in New Delhi at midnight ACDT on Thursday.

NZ, the only side to remain undefeated after the group stage, have demonstrated how bright the future is after Brendon McCullum’s retirement.

Spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner have bowled brilliantly, especially in a tournament-opening boilover against India.

England have recorded two tense wins at New Delhi, with coach Trevor Bayliss hoping his side’s familiarity with Feroz Shah Kotla will be a small edge.

“I’m not sure about an advantage, but it should give us an idea of what to expect from the wicket,” the Australian mentor said.

“It could certainly be worse. Having played two games here already, we should know what to expect from the wicket.”

-AAP

Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.