India national cricket team edged past England national cricket team by seven runs in a high-scoring semifinal to secure a place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium.
India posted a formidable 253 for 7, the fourth-highest total in the tournament’s history, before restricting England to 246 for 7 in a thrilling contest that produced 499 runs and a record 34 sixes in a T20 World Cup match.
The co-hosts will now defend their 2024 title against New Zealand national cricket team in the final scheduled for Sunday in Ahmedabad.
Sanju Samson led India’s charge with a blazing 89 off 42 balls after being dropped early on 15. The wicketkeeper-batter struck powerful shots throughout his innings to anchor India’s big total.
England pacer Jofra Archer conceded 61 runs for one wicket, the most expensive bowling figures by an England player in a men’s T20 World Cup.
Bethell’s century in vain
England mounted a strong reply led by Jacob Bethell, who smashed his maiden T20 international century with 105 off 48 balls, including seven sixes.
However, Bethell was run out on the first ball of the final over while attempting a risky second run, with England needing 30 runs from six balls.
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a disciplined spell of 1 for 33 in four overs, while all-rounder Axar Patel impressed in the field with two spectacular catches and another key effort.
India’s powerful batting display
After being sent in to bat, India lost Abhishek Sharma early for nine, caught off Will Jacks.
Samson then combined with Ishan Kishan, who scored 39, to put together a 97-run partnership from 45 balls. India reached 100 in the ninth over before Kishan was dismissed soon after.
Promoted up the order, Shivam Dube added 43 off 25 balls with four sixes in another aggressive stand with Samson.
Samson eventually fell in the 14th over after attempting a big shot, with India already well past 150.
Late contributions from Hardik Pandya (27) and Tilak Varma (21) further boosted the total on a batting-friendly pitch.
England fall short despite strong chase
England’s chase started poorly when Axar Patel produced a superb running catch to dismiss Phil Salt for five.
Bumrah then removed Harry Brook cheaply, while captain Jos Buttler struggled for rhythm, scoring 25 from 17 balls.
Tom Banton hit two sixes but was bowled by Axar as England slipped to 95 for 4.
Bethell and Jacks briefly revived the chase with a 77-run stand, but India maintained pressure in the closing overs.
Pandya and Dube bowled the final overs effectively, sealing India’s victory and sending them into a record fourth T20 World Cup final.
Samson was named player of the match for his match-defining innings.