England hopes high for semis

England's batsmen performed well despite the heat

Captain Nasser Hussain believes England have a good chance of defeating India on Sunday to gain a place in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals.

But, after their opening 108-run victory over Zimbabwe, Hussain said his batsmen will have to become more accustomed to the hot, humid conditions in Sri Lanka.

Match report: England thrash Zimbabwe

"I am pleased, it was a very professional performance," he said after Zimbabwe were restricted to 190 for nine, chasing England's 298 under lights at the Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

"First up in these conditions to go and play so well ... If we play like that again we've got a good chance against India.

"We were probably 20 runs short through fatigue in the batting. We may have to make that up against India."

England lost four wickets in the last 10 overs of their innings after a 141-run stand for the second wicket between Hussain (75) and centurion Marcus Trescothick.

But pacemen Matthew Hoggard and Ronnie Irani then grabbed seven wickets between them on a flat pitch to hold Zimbabwe down.

After losses to both of the other teams on Pool 2, Zimbabwe are out of contention for a likely meeting with South Africa, making Sunday's contest an eliminator.

Hoggard said he hoped Hussain would bat first if he won the toss.

"The ball skids a bit more under the lights," he explained.

Hussain: Lights suit Hoggard

But the Yorkshireman said that England would have a strategy to deal with India's batting depth whatever the circumstances.

"They'll look to tee-off but it's up to us to peg them back and take early wickets," he added.

In July India successfully chased 326 to beat their hosts in the triangular NatWest Series final at Lord's.

It was India's fifth victory over England in 10 one-day internationals this year, including a six-match series on the subcontinent. One match in England was ruined by rain.