'We do hope Abhishek doesn’t have his same knock again' - Sam Curran's bold statement ahead of IND vs ENG semifinal of T20 World Cup 2026

The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is set to host the second semi-final in the 2026 T20 World Cup between India and England on Thursday, March 5. The last time these two teams met each other at the Wankhede Stadium was in the fifth and final T20I early last year. Abhishek Sharma took the England bowlers to the cleaners and smashed 135 off just 54 balls. The opening batter hit seven fours and 13 sixes in his knock.

As the two behemoths of the game face each other once again at the Wankhede Stadium, England's Sam Curran was reminded about Abhishek's mind-boggling knock. The seam-bowling all-rounder mentioned that he would hope Abhishek doesn't replicate such heroics on Thursday.

"At the moment, our main focus is Thursday night. We do hope Abhishek doesn't have his same knock again. We've very well planned for the game," he said in the pre-match press conference.

However, Abhishek has unfortunately been a pale shadow of his former self. During the ongoing World Cup, the left-handed batter has managed only one half-century in six matches. The 25-year-old registered three ducks in his first three innings in the tournament. His only half-century came against Zimbabwe, who conceded two 250-plus totals in the marquee event.

Abhishek will have to bring his A-game to the fore in the City of Dreams on Thursday. If he gets going, the Men in Blue will stand in strong stead against a very capable bowling attack. Abhishek has had his struggles against off-spinners and expect Harry Brook to introduce Will Jacks into the attack early in India's innings. The England all-rounder could even take the new ball. The battle between these two talented cricketers would be intriguing to watch.