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Former England fielding coach Paul Collingwood called India the firm favourites to win the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against England, to be played at the Providence Stadium, Guyana.

India have been the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far, alongside South Africa. On the other hand, England haven't been at their best but have got better with every game. It is likely to be a thrilling semi-final contest between two aggressive teams.

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Paul Collingwood backs India to beat England in T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final

While speaking on the Star Sports Press Room, Paul Collingwood stated that India are favourites for this game and England will need something extraordinary to beat them.

“Honestly, I can’t see India losing this time. England will need something extraordinary to beat them,” Collingwood said.

Collingwood was impressed with India's squad, especially with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah after his tremendous form this tournament so far.

“India, with their well-rounded squad, stands out particularly for Jasprit Bumrah’s current form. He’s fit, accurate, fast, and highly skilled. No team seems to have an answer for him. In a 120-ball game, having someone like Bumrah with his pace for 24 balls makes a huge difference. India has looked confident even in tough situations and on difficult pitches in America," The former England allrounder mentioned.

“Their batters, like Rohit Sharma who played a magnificent innings against Australia, seem to be back in form,” he added.

England have the upper hand on a flat pitch, claims Paul Collingwood

Collingwood also stressed the fact that it will be a great match-up between two teams with an aggressive approach.

“The match-up will be magnificent, with both sides adopting an ultra-aggressive approach. The surface in Guyana will be crucial. On a flat pitch, England has the upper hand with their ability to overpower teams. However, a slow, turning pitch would favour India,” he said.

England have been playing an aggressive style of play in the last few years. The approach has won them the 2019 ODI World Cup title and the 2022 T20 World Cup title as well. But India are not behind. they also seem to have changed their brand of cricket to a more aggressive style.

'India’s approach has changed' - Paul Collingwood

When asked about the tactics used by England in the last T20 World Cup semi-final, Collingwood claimed that India won't be surprised by that tactic now. He lauded India for playing an aggressive brand of cricket in this tournament.

“The previous plan was to attack India aggressively from the start. However, a team like India can’t be surprised by that tactic. In 2022, when India batted first, we knew we could restrict them. Back then, India played conservatively, especially in the first 10 overs, and then tried to catch up later," Collingwood said.

“But India’s approach has changed. They understand that this strategy won’t win World Cups. They need to take risks, be brave, and express themselves freely. This new mentality might be criticised if it fails, but to win World Cups, you need to be ahead of the curve and adapt to what other teams are doing globally,” the former England cricketer added.

Both India and England came face to face with each other in the last edition's T20 World Cup as well. England emerged victorious on that occasion as they thrashed India by 10 wickets. They even went on to lift the trophy later by defeating Pakistan in the final.