Backing England to upset the defending champions, Vaughan also credited India for their exceptional fielding and running between the wickets, adding that England’s win over New Zealand in a dead-rubber demonstrated their readiness for the semifinal.
Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, March 3, the 51-year-old said:
“England have a better spin attack than India. [Varun] Chakravarthy has been got at. Dawson, Rashid, and Will Jacks have been the best trio in the tournament in terms of spin. England’s fielding has been absolutely exceptional. They look really alert. England’s running between the wickets has been exceptional. The small percentage things you can control themselves, England seem to be doing very well. I just have a funny feeling England can get the job done in Mumbai. They seem to have found a way of winning. The win against New Zealand, even though a dead rubber, to get over the line was a great effort.”
Notably, Rashid, Dawson, and Jacks have taken 11, 10, and seven wickets respectively in seven matches each during T20 World Cup 2026. In comparison, India’s Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel have claimed 12 wickets (7 games) and seven wickets (5 games) respectively.
T20I Spin Records vs Opponent:
England spinners vs India: Rashid – 14 wickets in 18 matches @7.50; Dawson – yet to bowl; Jacks – yet to bowl
India spinners vs England: Chakravarthy – 14 wickets in 5 matches @7.66; Axar – 9 wickets in 9 matches @7.37; Washington Sundar – 7 wickets in 9 matches @9.25
Vaughan also defended under-pressure England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler
