India and England are set to lock horns in an exciting contest on Sunday. Both the teams are considered the best ODI teams over the past two years. Incidentally, they are also holding the top two ODI rankings for a considerable time now.
However, only one team managed to get the results while the other is in clinging position right now. Both India and England were considered as the tournament favorites before the start of the world cup.
But the hosts have faltered in their way losing to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their recent loss to Australia is another huge setback to their semifinal qualification. With three losses to their name already, England have to win their last two games in order to qualify for knockouts.
However, the task is not going to be easy for the hosts. They are set to play India and New Zealand in the final two league games. On the other hand, India are playing some impressive cricket in recent weeks.
Despite losing Shikhar Dhawan to injury and having Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the sidelines, India are not short of options on the bench. KL Rahul is doing a great job as an opener, while Mohammed Shami lit the world cup with his bowling.
In fact, Mohammed Shami is the most economic bowler in the ongoing world cup.
He also managed to take 8 wickets in just 2 matches. With this, India team management are in a selection dilemma. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back bowling in the nets during training session. However, considering Shami’s impressive form, the team management should give Bhuvneshwar more rest in order to heal properly from his hamstring injury.
India are the only side in the tournament that are still unbeaten. Albeit the game against New Zealand, the men in blue won all their games. The game against Black caps was abandoned after a washout.
Match Prediction
Both India and England are the best ODI teams in the world. England are in for a must win clash. However, losing this game also still leave them with a chance to qualify for semis if other results go their way.
But the hosts need to win this game at all costs and are willing to take risks as well. Captain Eoin Morgan has revealed that both Jason Roy and Jofra Archer could be risked for the game if they are close to fitness.
It is desperate times for England as they are looking for desperate measures. On the other hand, India are playing unbelievable cricket at the moment. No team came close to winning against India, apart from Afghanistan.
Despite the big names in England team, it is going to be very tough for them to beat India in their current form. Prediction is England will give a tough fight but India prevails.
