Team India adjusted their training schedule on Tuesday, March 3, ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Normally, the team trains from 6 to 9 PM, but it was announced by mid-noon that the session would start at 7 PM. The change was believed to be due to the lunar eclipse, with the team avoiding training before it concluded.
England concluded their practice at 5 PM, followed by a two-hour break. India took to the field at around 7:05 PM under the lights. The decision to adjust the timing came after the team management noted that the lunar eclipse would begin at 3:20 PM and end at 6:47 PM.
While there is no scientific basis, tradition advises against starting new activities during a lunar eclipse. In the past, a few domestic matches have also had their schedules adjusted due to lunar eclipses.
India are currently aiming to become the first team to defend their title in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup. In 2022, they suffered a 10-wicket defeat to England in the semifinals in Adelaide, but India avenged that loss with a 68-run win in the 2024 semifinal in Guyana.
Having won three of their five T20 World Cup encounters against England, India will look to extend their advantage when the two sides meet on March 5.
HOW INDIA QUALIFIED FOR THE SEMIS
India’s road to the semifinals was far from straightforward. Although they topped the group stage, the Super 8s posed significant challenges. They began with a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa but quickly regrouped with a win over Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium.
They followed it up with a memorable victory against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing a daunting 196, India recovered from an early wobble to secure a thrilling five-wicket win with four balls to spare.
Sanju Samson played a masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls, including 12 fours and four sixes, guiding India to their highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history. If India win their semifinal on Thursday, they will face the winner of the other semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.
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