In a high-octane semifinal that saw nearly 500 runs scored, India held their nerve to defeat England by seven runs at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite a breathtaking maiden T20I century from England’s young sensation Jacob Bethell, the defending champions successfully defended a massive total of 253/7 to set up a final showdown against New Zealand.
Samson Punishes England After Early Reprieve
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that initially looked promising when Will Jacks dismissed Abhishek Sharma (9) early. However, the turning point came in the third over when Brook dropped a straightforward chance at mid-off to reprieve Sanju Samson on just 15.
Samson made England pay dearly for the lapse. The Rajasthan Royals captain launched a relentless assault, reaching his 50 off just 26 balls. Alongside Ishan Kishan (39 off 18), Samson steered India to a position of absolute dominance. Though Jacks eventually brought Samson’s innings to an end for a brilliant 89 off 42 balls, the platform was set.
Late fireworks from Shivam Dube (43 off 25) and Hardik Pandya (27 off 12), including a massive strike from Tilak Varma into the Tendulkar Stand, propelled India to the highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
The Bethell Scare
England's chase started poorly as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya removed Phil Salt and Harry Brook cheaply. When Jos Buttler fell to Varun Chakravarthy for 25, England appeared down and out at 64/3.
Enter Jacob Bethell. The 22-year-old left-hander played the innings of his life, smashing a record-equaling 19-ball half-century. Bethell targeted the spinners, taking Varun Chakravarthy for a hat-trick of sixes, and kept the required rate within reach.
He found a steady partner in Will Jacks (35), but a moment of magic in the field broke their 77-run stand. Axar Patel pulled off a stunning relay catch on the boundary, flicking the ball to Dube before falling over the rope to dismiss Jacks.
Bumrah and Pandya Seal the Deal
Despite Bethell reaching a magnificent century off just 45 balls, India’s "death-over" specialists proved the difference. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass 18th over, conceding only six runs to stifle the momentum.
With 30 needed off the final over, Shivam Dube was entrusted with the ball. Bethell’s valiant effort ended on the first ball of the over when he was run out for 105 while attempting a desperate second run. Jofra Archer provided a late scare with two sixes, but the mountain was too high to climb.
India now travels to Ahmedabad for the final on Sunday, where they aim to become the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title on home soil.
