MUMBAI – Defending champions India secured a spot in their second consecutive T20 World Cup final after prevailing in a historic, high-scoring thriller against England at the Wankhede Stadium. In a match that produced a record-breaking 499 runs, India’s disciplined death bowling earned them a narrow seven-run victory.
Propelled by a masterclass from Sanju Samson, India posted a massive 253/7. Samson, continuing his red-hot form, bludgeoned 89 off just 42 balls, featuring eight boundaries and seven sixes. England’s decision to bowl first backfired as Ishan Kishan (39) and Shivam Dube (43) joined the onslaught, helping India strike a total of 19 sixes. Despite the carnage, England’s Will Jacks remained effective, claiming two crucial wickets.
England’s chase of a record-breaking target started shakily, losing Phil Salt and Jos Buttler within the powerplay. However, young star Jacob Bethell kept the visitors in the hunt with a sensational 105 off 48 deliveries. England mirrored India’s scoring rate, reaching their hundred in just 8.1 overs, but the departure of Bethell in the final over—following a spectacular relay catch by Axar Patel—sealed their fate at 246/7.
Jasprit Bumrah’s economical spell in the closing overs proved the difference in a game decided by the thinnest of margins. India now travels to Ahmedabad for Sunday’s final against New Zealand, aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title on home soil.
