T20 World Cup 2024: “You sometimes just hope they get out” – Moeen Ali wary of Rohit Sharma ahead of semifinal against India

England all-rounder Moeen Ali is hopeful of dismissing Rohit Sharma cheaply in the all-important semifinal against India on Thursday. Rohit was in beast mode against Australia as he smashed a blistering knock of 92 runs off just 41 balls with the help of seven fours and eight sixes.

Rohit was able to time the ball to perfection against the Aussies and raced to a 19-ball fifty. The Indian skipper has scored 191 runs in six matches at an average of 38.20 and a whirlwind strike rate of 159.17 in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. It is expected that Rohit will take the aggressive route against England and will look to give a solid start to his team.

Meanwhile, India had lost the 2022 World Cup semifinal against England as they had come up with a timid batting approach.

“He’s a world-class player – one of the best players in the world,” Moeen said about Rohit. “You sometimes just hope they get out in T20s. That’s the thing in cricket, especially T20 cricket: you’re not always guaranteed runs, no matter how good you’re playing. But they’ve got other players as well.”

Moeen Ali admitted India is a potent team and it is going to be a challenge for them to cross the line in the all-important semifinal.

“They’re just a brilliant side. They’ve got everything covered, so we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them. I’m looking forward to it, actually: it’s a great challenge, similar to the last time we played them in the semi-final in Australia. It’s going to be a challenge, and we’re going to have to plan and play really well,” the all-rounder added.

On the other hand, England had thrashed India by 10 wickets in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal as they had chased down 169 runs in 16 overs.

“But [also] the way we took them on, and we were unbelievable with the bat. We set the game up on that wicket with the ball. Even when they got away from us a little bit at the end, it was a bit late. That was a great day, and a great performance.”

India will face England in the second semifinal at the Providence Stadium, Guyana on Thursday.