England have marched into the semi-final with a game to spare, but bowling coach Tim Southee is quietly intrigued by the prospect of a "perfect game," something the side is yet to achieve at this year's tournament.
Despite a dominant run in the subcontinent, including a T20 series win over Sri Lanka and a near-flawless group stage, Southee believes there is much more to come from his side. Though for the New Zealand legend, the most encouraging sign isn't the margin of victory, but the method.
"I think everyone wants to go out and do well. I think it's a great sign on this side," Southee said. "We've only dropped one game in the last however many games, and we've won in different ways. We haven't played the perfect game or played a complete performance across all three formats, but we've still found ways to win. If it does come off and we do have the perfect game, then it should be a great one to witness."
In the engine room of England's charge has been the emergence of less heralded names, many of whom have taken turns across the tournament to keep the English train on track.
Will Jacks in particular has emerged as a true X-factor, delivering a career-best all-round performance against Sri Lanka in the Super Eights where he claimed 3 for 22 with his offspin before adding a vital 21 runs at the death. He also smashed the fastest T20 World Cup fifty by an England player, a 21-ball half-century against Italy.
Meanwhile, Liam Dawson has provided the defensive stability Southee prizes, proving instrumental in ugly wins by strangling opposition momentum; his 3 for 24 against Pakistan helped restrict them to a chaseable total and secure England's semi-final berth.
Complementing the spin barrage, Jamie Overton has flown under the radar despite taking nine wickets in his first five outings. Overton's ability to adapt his heavy lengths to slower subcontinent tracks was on full display when he took out Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan in quick succession to derail Pakistan's mid-innings acceleration.
"It's been brilliant how we've been able to win in different ways and different guys stepping up. A lot of the time, probably the guys that aren't as well known for being the dangerous players - Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, guys like that who have come in and had big impacts, [Liam] Dawson. To sit here being already qualified with a game to go is only a good thing."
A significant portion of Southee's role involves fine-tuning one of the world's most lethal pace attacks. He reserved special praise for Jofra Archer, who has been building rhythm after a long injury layoff, with Southee alluding to the challenge of coaching a player who possesses almost an overabundance of talent.
"He's obviously a class bowler. He's inquisitive; he loves cricket, loves chatting cricket. I think the last few games he's sort of kicked into another gear. He's got such a great skill set - somebody who can bowl fast, move the ball, unbelievable amount of skill. Sometimes it's almost having too much skill and just trying to narrow down on what's effective at the time.
"The good sign is that we've seen over the last few games he looks like he's getting better and better, so that bodes well for the next few games."
As the tournament moves toward trickier, spin-friendly surfaces, Southee believes England's balance mirrors the versatility of his own national side, who they will be up against on Friday evening.
"We've seen spin play such a big part here; it's a big ground and offered plenty for the spinners. But it doesn't mean seamers can't have an impact," he said, citing New Zealand seamer Matt Henry's recent performance against Sri Lanka as an example of how pace remains relevant.
"I think we've got a very well-balanced side. Having the ability to have guys that if it is seam-friendly or spin-friendly to be able to chop and change, much like the New Zealand side... it's very handy to have. So I think both sides have got pretty well-balanced line-ups that can cover both pace and seam."
The upcoming clash against New Zealand carries a personal edge for Southee. For someone who grew up dreaming of the Black Caps, sitting in the opposite dugout remains a surreal experience.
"Yeah, it is a little bit strange seeing the guys around the hotel," Southee said. "You always want New Zealand cricket to do well, always following them closely. But now in the role that I'm in, things are slightly different. I'm looking forward to going out there against a good side and some good mates as well."
Despite the mixed emotions, Southee is focused on his future with the England set-up. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great side and I've loved the time I've had. I'd love to continue working with these guys, love working with Brendan and the other coaches as well."