India beat England to reach T20 World 2026 Final against New Zealand

MUMBAI (Dunya News) – India stormed into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by seven runs in a dramatic second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

A high-scoring contest kept the crowd on edge throughout as India posted a formidable 253 for seven before holding off a powerful England chase that finished at 246 for seven after 20 overs.

The victory secured India a place in Sunday’s final against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad.

Samson powers India to massive total

After England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to field first, India took full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions to produce one of the most imposing totals of the tournament.

Opening batter Sanju Samson delivered a commanding performance at the top of the order, smashing 89 runs off 42 balls. His innings featured an array of attacking strokes that set the tone for India’s aggressive approach from the outset.

Samson found strong support from Shivam Dube, who contributed 43 runs from 25 deliveries and maintained the momentum during the middle overs. Ishan Kishan also added valuable runs, scoring 39 from just 18 balls to keep the scoring rate soaring.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav managed 11 runs, while Abhishek Sharma added nine as India’s middle order continued to attack despite regular wickets.

Late acceleration from Hardik Pandya, who struck 27 runs from only 12 balls, helped India finish strongly and reach 253 for seven in their 20 overs.

For England, Will Jacks claimed two wickets for 40 runs in his four overs, while spinner Adil Rashid returned figures of two for 41. Fast bowler Jofra Archer picked up one wicket but conceded 61 runs during his spell.

Bethell century leads England fightback

Chasing a daunting target of 254, England responded with determination and produced a spirited batting display that kept the contest alive until the final overs.

Young batter Jacob Bethell produced a sensational innings, striking 105 runs from just 48 balls. His century anchored England’s chase and featured a series of powerful boundaries that repeatedly brought his side back into contention.

Will Jacks added 35 runs from 20 deliveries to provide early momentum, while wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler contributed 25 runs from 17 balls.

In the closing stages, Jofra Archer attempted a late surge with an unbeaten 19 from just four balls, but the target remained just out of reach as England ended their innings at 246 for seven.

India’s bowling attack managed to contain the scoring at crucial moments despite England’s aggressive pursuit. Hardik Pandya was the most successful bowler, finishing with two wickets for 38 runs in his four overs.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah delivered a disciplined spell, taking one wicket for 33 runs, while Axar Patel claimed one for 35 in three overs. Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with a wicket despite conceding 51 runs.

The meeting added another chapter to the competitive rivalry between the two sides in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

India and England had previously faced each other five times in the tournament before this match. India held a narrow advantage with three victories, while England had secured two wins.

Both teams entered the semi-final with strong momentum. India arrived with one of the tournament’s most explosive batting line-ups, while England had topped their Super 8 group and remained unbeaten during that phase of the competition.