India edged a spirited England by seven runs in a high-scoring semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, to reach the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.
Defending a formidable 253 for seven, India restricted England to 246 for seven in their 20 overs after a tense finish. Sanju Samson led the Indian charge with a blistering 89 from 42 balls and collected the Player of the Match award. He received solid support from Ishan Kishan, who struck 39 from 18 deliveries, Shivam Dube with 43 from 25, and Hardik Pandya, who added a rapid 27 from 12 balls.
India’s innings gathered pace through the middle and closing overs as the side reached 253 for seven from the allotted 20 overs.
England’s pursuit faltered early. Phil Salt fell for five, Harry Brook for seven and Jos Buttler for 25 inside the opening overs, leaving the chase under strain.
Jacob Bethell produced a defiant response with a magnificent 105 from 48 balls, striking eight fours and seven sixes. Tom Banton added a brisk 17 from five balls, while Will Jacks struck 35 from 20 deliveries to keep England in contention.
Despite the late surge, England closed on 246 for seven, falling seven runs short of the target.
India’s bowlers delivered key breakthroughs at decisive moments. Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel all struck during the innings, while the run-out of Bethell proved decisive in the closing overs.
Sharp fielding and disciplined bowling under pressure enabled India to maintain a narrow advantage throughout the contest.
The result carries India into the final of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where they will meet New Zealand on Sunday. Samson’s explosive innings and India’s composed effort with both bat and ball proved decisive in a contest that England fought until the final over.
