Mumbai – In a high-octane T20 World Cup semi-final that produced nearly 500 runs, India held their nerve to defeat England by seven runs at a packed Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, setting up a final showdown with New Zealand.
The hosts posted a mammoth 253-7 after being asked to bat first, and then withstood a breathtaking century from England’s 21-year-old Jacob Bethell to restrict the defending champions to 246-9.
Samson Sets the Tone
Sanju Samson, continuing his sensational form, smashed 89 off just 42 balls to lay the foundation for India’s imposing total. The opener, who made an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the previous match, signaled his intent immediately, hitting seven sixes and eight fours in a brutal display of power hitting.
After England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bowl, Samson launched into the attack, taking Jofra Archer for a four and six in the first over. He was given a life on 15 when Brook dropped a simple chance at mid-off, a mistake that proved enormously costly.
India’s Batting Masterclass
Samson found able support from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 48 off 27 balls in a 97-run partnership before holing out off Adil Rashid. Samson powered on until the 14th over, finally falling to Will Jacks for 89 with the score at 160-3.
The lower order ensured there was no let-up. Shivam Dube hammered 43 off 25 balls, Hardik Pandya contributed a rapid 27 off 12, and Tilak Varma added 21 off just seven deliveries to push India past the 250 mark.
India’s total of 253-7 included an astonishing 19 sixes and 18 fours. Jacks was the pick of England’s bowlers with 2-26, but Archer endured a nightmare spell, conceding 61 runs in his four overs.
Bethell’s Heroics Fall Short
Chasing a T20 World Cup record 254 for victory, England lost early wickets but found an unlikely hero in Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old played the innings of his life, scoring 106 off 58 balls to keep England in the hunt against all odds.
Bethell’s magnificent knock, which kept the required rate in check and the crowd nervous, eventually ended in the 19th over with England still needing 22 runs. Despite his heroics, and a supporting 41 from Jos Buttler, England finished on 246-9, seven runs short.
What They Said
“It was an incredible game of cricket,” said India captain Suryakumar Yadav. “Sanju set it up for us, and the boys held their nerve with the ball. We knew they would come hard.”
England captain Harry Brook rued the dropped catch. “Dropping Sanju early was the turning point. He made us pay. Proud of the fight, especially Jacob’s innings, but it hurts.”
The Final
India will now face New Zealand in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The Black Caps secured their place by defeating South Africa in the first semi-final in Kolkata.
For India, it is a chance to win their first T20 World Cup since 2024 and the third overall. For New Zealand, it is an opportunity to claim their maiden title in the format.
