India stormed into the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after edging past England by seven runs in a thrilling semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
In a high-scoring contest that went down to the final over, India held their nerve to seal a place in Sunday’s title clash against New Zealand.
After being sent in to bat by England captain Harry Brook, India piled up a formidable 253 for 7 in their 20 overs, driven by a blistering knock from Sanju Samson.
The wicketkeeper-batter hammered 89 runs from just 42 deliveries, striking eight fours and seven sixes as he led India’s charge with aggressive strokeplay.
India lost Abhishek Sharma early for nine, but Samson steadied the innings with a 97-run second-wicket partnership alongside Ishan Kishan, who contributed a rapid 39 off 18 balls.
The momentum continued when Shivam Dube joined Samson, adding another 43 runs for the third wicket.
Samson reached his half-century in only 26 balls before eventually falling while attempting a big shot, caught by Phil Salt off Will Jacks.
Quick contributions in the closing overs ensured India crossed the 250-mark.
Hardik Pandya struck 27 off 12 balls while Tilak Varma provided a late flourish with 21 from just seven deliveries.
For England, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid claimed two wickets each but struggled to contain the onslaught from India’s batting line-up.
England’s chase got off to a shaky start with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy striking during the powerplay.
Despite the early setbacks, England kept themselves in the hunt, reaching 68 for 3 after six overs.
The highlight of England’s response came from 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, who produced a sensational 105 off 48 balls — the third-fastest T20I century by an England batter.
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Bethell forged important partnerships with Jos Buttler and Tom Banton before adding a crucial 77-run stand with Will Jacks and another 50-run partnership with Sam Curran, keeping England’s hopes alive deep into the chase.
The turning point came in the penultimate over when Hardik Pandya dismissed Curran, increasing the pressure on England.
With 30 runs required from the final over bowled by Shivam Dube, a sharp piece of fielding resulted in Bethell’s run-out on the first delivery, effectively ending England’s chances.
England eventually finished on 246 for 7, falling short by seven runs as disciplined death bowling from Bumrah, Pandya and Arshdeep Singh helped India close out the contest.
With the victory, India advanced to the T20 World Cup final for the second consecutive time, where they will face New Zealand in the championship match on Sunday.
