Kevin Pietersen has given his thoughts on England's crunch T20 World Cup semi-final clash against India, with both sides hoping to win the tournament for the second time in their history.
Pietersen, who was named player of the tournament when England lifted the trophy in 2010, believes England are "peaking at the right time" after bouncing back from their shock defeat to Ireland to record crucial victories over New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
India, meanwhile, racked up more points than any other team in the Super 12's and star man Virat Kohli signalled a brilliant return to form by ended that stage as the leading run scorer.
And while Pietersen believes Kohli's form is key for India, he is backing England to beat them.
"At the Adelaide Oval, I think England beat India," Pietersen told Betway . "With the quality running through the England side, I really do. But I just need Virat to have a day off.
"Tournament cricket is about peaking at the right time. It's about winning the right games, getting to the knockouts, and then winning the final. Let's not worry about what's happened in the group stage.
"Let's celebrate the fact that England are now in the semi-finals with the potential to make the final and win another World Cup. That's the focus and the drive. The pressure was on against Sri Lanka, they delivered, and now it's time to go and win the semi-final."
Pietersen added that he is "very happy" to see Kohli back to his best at this tournament, but says he wants him to "have a little bit of a break on Thursday". He continued: "It's just so good to see the greatest current player back in the runs, not only from India's perspective, but for the world of cricket.
"I backed him throughout the little loss of form that he had, and he's had a lot to deal with. He's an entertainer, he needs crowds, he needs that buzz, he needs that excitement.
"He didn't have that for a few years, and he lost his way. But the crowds are in, it's a T20 World Cup in Australia – one of the greatest places to play T20 cricket – and the King is back. As a close friend, I'm very happy for him, but I would like him to have a little bit of a break on Thursday!"
