ICC Women's T20I World Cup: England Will Try To Minimize Poonam Yadav's Threat - Heather Knight

England Women’s team skipper Heather Knight says they will have to find a way to keep Indian spinners at bay, and particularly ace Poonam Yadav, to book ICC Women’s T20I World Cup final berth. England will take on an unbeaten Indian team, on Thursday in the semifinal, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Yadav has been in a surreal form lately, as she leads the charts for top wicket-takers at the World Cup, having nine successful dismissals to her, so far.

The right-arm leggie was at her brilliant best in India’s opening game against heavyweights Australia.

Since then, her confidence has only grown, and she will be a key player to watch out for, as per the English skipper.

Tackling Poonam Yadav will be key against India: Heather Knight

Two years, ago, England defeated India by eight wickets in the semifinal of the World Cup 2018. Yadav had struggled against Knight’s team on that particular day, conceding 29 runs in her four overs.

On the eve of the game, though Knight was quick to point out they have plans to keep the Indian spinner away from inflicting much pain.

She said, “We’ve practised for her a lot, I thought we played her outstandingly in the last T20 World Cup and that was due to the preparation we had. She’s a massive threat for them and is an improved bowler since the last World Cup, so for us to be successful, we’re going to have to play her and all their spinners well. That’s going to be key in the game.”

While India have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, England went down to South Africa, and since then, they’ve embarked on a winning streak.

We feel the momentum is on our side in the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup: Heather Knight

The 29-year-old opened up on England’s loss in the opening game and how her team had dealt with it in the remaining matches.

“It feels like we’ve built some momentum, we were gutted after the South Africa game and we’ve been playing knockout cricket since game two, that stands us in very good stead going into the knockout stages,” said Knight. 

She continued, “We’ve started to get some players in real form and the players that aren’t, you feel like they’re just round the corner and can produce in a massive game such as the semi-final.”

While India and England will compete against each other in the first semifinal on Thursday, defending champions and hosts Australia will face-off against South Africa in the second semifinal.

Both matches will be played at the SCG.