India ride on Sanju Samson brilliance to march into T20 World Cup 2016 FINAL, survive Jacob Bethell blazing ton
India is all set to face New Zealand in the Final after securing a convincing 7-run win over Engalnd in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium
India ride on Sanju Samson brilliance to march into T20 World Cup 2016 FINAL (Source: X)
T20 World Cup 2026: Defending champions India scripted a thrilling chapter in their T20 World Cup campaign, edging out England by seven runs in a high-scoring second semifinal at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav's side will now face New Zealand in the summit clash, setting up a blockbuster final on Sunday. After being asked to bat first India unleashed an explosive batting display on a batting-friendly pitch.
Opener Sanju Samson stole the show with a breathtaking 42-ball 89, laced with seven towering sixes and eight crisp fours. Despite early wicket of Abhishek Sharma, Samson's aggressive strokeplay set the tone as India raced to a commanding position in the powerplay. Ishan Kishan provided solid support from the other end with a quick 39, while Shivam Dube smashed crucial 43 runs.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma added crucial 27 and 21 runs respectively, ensuring the innings never lost momentum despite late wickets. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid picked up two wickets each for England, but they failed to stop the flow of runs.
Jacob Bethell produced a sensational knock of 105 off just 48 balls
India posted a mammoth total of 253 for 7 in their 20 overs, a total that looked nearly impossible to chase. Chasing 254, England refused to go down quietly as young sensation Jacob Bethell produced a sensational knock of 105 off just 48 balls in a heroic effort that kept his side in the hunt deep into the chase.
Bethell's power-hitting turned what seemed like a one-sided affair into a nail-biter. Despite Bethell's brilliance, England faltered at crucial junctures, losing wickets in clusters that prevented them from building key partnerships.
India's bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah, economical and lethal, claimed 1 for 33, while Hardik Pandya's picked 2 wicket for 38. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with one wicket each, with tight lines and clever variations proving decisive.
England ended at 246 for 7, falling agonizingly short in a match that lived up to the hype of a semifinal showdown between two cricketing powerhouses. The Wankhede crowd erupted as the last ball was bowled, celebrating India's entry into the final.
India will take on New Zealand in the Final
With this win, India will face New Zealand in the final, who had earlier crushed South Africa in the first semifinal. The stage is set for what promises to be an epic conclusion to the tournament on March 8.
For the defending champions, the dream of back-to-back titles remains alive, fueled by a blend of fearless batting and clutch bowling.
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