T20 World Cup semi finals

I wish I could enjoy T20 cricket – I really do.

I watched both semifinals. I am deeply unsatisfied.

Firstly, the technique is so awful as you constantly see slashing across the line.

The only elegant stroke I can recall was a sumptuous six from Virat Kohli.

Kohli had his feet in place, advanced down the wicket and – with a majestic high follow though – struck a six.

The result of T20, as with the India game, is often predictable too early as in this match India did not set a winnable  total.

Then there is the crowd.

Fans in fancy dress and masks notice that they are singled out by the camera and rejoice exultantly in their moment of publicity.

Mercurial Pakistan surprisingly beat New Zealand.

According to Haris Rauf it was not due to Babar Azam’s batting, nor Rizwan’s, but Allah’s influence – so there we are.

Finally there is the coverage.

I duck between Radio 5 Sports Extra and Sky Sports – doing my best to avoid Alex Hartley on the radio and Ian Bishop & Pommi Mbangwa on Sky – to hear Jonathan Agnew and Michael  Atherton.

I would have preferred a final between India and Pakistan, the cricketing equivalent of World War Three.

I have to admit, though no white ball expert, that England are impressively forceful and aggressive.

For early birds on Saturday and Sunday morning we now have two World Cup finals to savour featuring the Red Roses in Women’s Rugby World Cup and England men in the T20.

Your Rust reporters will be covering both.