England is going through a T20 World Cup deja vu situation.

Back in 2022, they started off poorly, losing to Ireland, but then bounced back to face India in the semi-finals, which they eventually won.

Now, in 2026, they initially struggled – losing to the West Indies – and then bounced back to face India in the semi-finals…

Well, that’s the parallel now, as England still need to beat India – Thursday in Mumbai (1.30pm first ball, live) sky sports) – before the dream went on to win the game.

sky sports’ Michael Atherton believes Harry Brooke’s side are capable of beating Suryakumar Yadav’s hosts but says they need to be at the top of their game to do so.

This includes opening partnership Jos Buttler and Phil Salt joining forces for the first time in the tournament, with their best performance so far against Nepal, West Indies, Scotland, Italy, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand being a measly 38 runs.

Last time they added two. There had been no runs in the previous games, and Butler’s form was particularly worrisome.

However, England were still able to triumph in style. This came mainly through captain Harry Brooke’s 50-ball hundred against Pakistan. Against New Zealand, it was mainly down to another crucial knock from No. 7 Will Jacks, assisted by Rehan Ahmed.

Atherton told sky cricket Podcast: “Before this World Cup, everyone said that if England were to win the tournament, a big part of it would be the Salter-Buttler partnership, but neither really came to fruition.

“If major parts of the team aren’t playing, they’ll gain confidence from winning and they’ll get better. But, I don’t think they’re in the game yet.

“I keep asking myself if this game is going to be the same as 2022 and they’re going to get better and better.”

Atherton: India is not indestructible

Four years ago, England had, in Arthur’s words, “a narrow brush with India”, reaching the target of 169 with four overs remaining and winning by 10 runs in Adelaide.

Buttler and then partner Alex Hales both scored unbeaten half-centuries as India’s wait for a first global white-ball title since the 2013 Champions Trophy lengthened.

However, India have won two titles since then: the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they easily defeated England in the semi-finals, and then the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Unbeaten in these tournaments, many predicted that they would easily win this year’s T20 World Cup.

But they were soundly beaten by a strong South Africa side in the Super Eights, and their defense wasn’t that sharp either, with 13 catches dropped. Something that gave England hope.

Arthurs added: “Obviously, India are a special team and I thought the chase (to qualify for the semi-finals) against West Indies under pressure was outstanding.

“But I don’t think they are invincible. If you go after one or two of their main five, things like fielding, bowling – they lack backup options in that area.

“Some of their batsmen haven’t found their best form either, so they’re not indestructible. I think England will have to be at their best to beat them – my gut feeling is India versus South Africa in the final, which is a rematch in 2024.”

Former India international Dinesh Karthik also hopes that his country and South Africa – Wednesday’s first semi-final against New Zealand in Kolkata (1.30pm UK, also live on Sky Sports) – for Sunday’s exhibition match in Ahmedabad.

He admitted, however, that India are vulnerable, with opening batsman Abhishek Sharma having scored just fifty in six innings at this World Cup (he has started three consecutive games).

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been expensive in recent games after a brilliant start to the tournament.

Karthik added: “Going into the World Cup, the three players in the Indian team – Jasprit Bumrah, Chakravarthy and obviously Abhishek – the impact he has had in the last two years has been phenomenal.

“Two-thirds of people haven’t experienced a great World Cup and that’s why you feel the Indian team is a bit fragile.”

Watch England vs India T20 World Cup semi-final live broadcast at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai sky sports cricket and sky sports main event Starting at 1pm on Thursday (first pitch at 1.30pm).

England T20 World Cup results and schedule

first round

super number 8

semifinals

• vs India (Mumbai) – Thursday, March 5 (1:30 p.m.)