Ind vs Eng LIVE updates: India find straight path into finals as rain washes out semifinal

Firm title contenders after a sensational unbeaten run in the group stages, India will have to ensure a solid all-round performance to get the better of formidable England in the semifinals of the ICC women's T20 World Cup on Thursday. India have been the best side so far and they would be seeking their maiden final appearance in the showpiece's history with a win over England on Thursday. In the earlier seven editions, India have never reached the final but this time, they have emerged as serious title contenders after a string of superlative performances.  

In-form India seek first final spot 

They began with a win over defending champions Australia and since then have gathered strength with every match, beating Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka to top group A with eight points from four matches. The Indians are in red-hot form, but history favours England as they have won all the five matches played between the two sides in this tournament. The last time, the two teams met in a T20 World Cup, England won by eight wickets in the semifinals in West Indies.

Before that, India lost in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2016 editions -- all in group stages. "After losing the last semifinal, as a team we realised we have to work as a unit, and right now you will see that our team is working as a unit and we are not reliant on just one or two players," India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said, referring to the semifinals loss in 2018.  Seven players in this Indian team played in that semifinal and they would be looking to turn the tables on the Englishwomen this time. 

The Indians will also take confidence from the win against England in the tri-series in Australia ahead of this World Cup. On form, most of the Indians are in top form with teenage sensation Shafali Verma being the leading batter, having scored 161 runs in four innings, which has seen her rise to top spot in the ICC women's T20 rankings. With a batting average of 40.25, the 16-year-old is on the third spot among leading run-getters in the tournament, followed by England's Natalie Sciver (202) and Heather Knight (193).

One-down Jemimah Rodrigues is also in good touch and has made useful contributions though she has not scored big so far, with 34 being her highest. The middle-order has also stepped up whenever needed with Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav making their presence felt in different matches. The two most experienced players in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana have, however, not been living up to the expectations and the semifinals could be their big comeback.

In the bowling department, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav is on top of the tournament chart with nine wickets from four matches. She has been ably supported by Shikha Pandey (7 from 4 matches). For England, who have qualified for the semifinals after finishing second in group B with three wins and one loss, batting has been their strength.  Natalie has plundered 202 runs with an average of 67.33, including three fifties, and the Indians will have to find a way to stop her in her tracks.  In the bowling department also, England have the likes of left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (8 wickets) and pacer Anya Shrubsole (7 wickets) who are at second and third spot in the tournament chart.

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Harleen Deol, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Richa Ghosh, Pooja Vastrakar.

England: Heather Knight (Captain), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (wk), Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Mady Villiers, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danni Wyatt. 

The knockout stages of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup are set to kick-off on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India Women take on England Women in the first semi-final on Thursday, while South Africa Women will take on Australia Women in the second semi-final later that day. However, the threat of a washout looms over the semi-final games of the Women’s T20 World Cup and let’s take a look at the possible outcomes of the games if the matches are washed out.

Rain marred the final two Group B matches of the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled at Sydney, which helped South Africa top the group and set up their clash against hosts Australia. South Africa Women finished with seven points after their match against West Indies Women was washed out, while Thailand Women and the Pakistan Women game earlier was also abandoned due to rain. With both India Women vs England Women and South Africa Women vs Australia Women semi-final set to be played at the same venue, the threat of a washout is imminent.

South Africa, India to play the final if semi-final matches are washed out

According to the rules, each innings should at least have five overs for it to be termed as a T20I. However, in the Women’s T20 World Cup, the minimum limit for a match to be played is ten overs per side. The game will be abandoned if each team is not able to play ten overs. The ICC also does not have a reserve day scheduled for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final. So if the matches get washed out, group toppers India and South Africa will progress to the final. However, the final has a scheduled in case of a washout, unlike the semi-final.

Next toss update will be at 10 am 

Persistent rain since morning has delayed the toss between India and England in the first semifinal of the Women's T20 World Cup, on Thursday. To complete a 10 over a side match, the toss must be held by 4.36 pm local time (11:06 am IST) and play must commence by 4.51 pm (11:21 am IST). In case the match is not held due to bad weather, India will qualify for the summit clash, courtesy their superior record in the group stage.

The semi-final contest between India and England has been abandoned due to rain which means India will make it to their first-ever finals without even a ball being bowled in the semis.