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Defending champions India booked their place in the Men’s T20 World Cup final after holding their nerve to edge out England by seven runs in a thrilling semifinal at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Chasing India’s imposing total of 253 for 7, England fell short at 246 for 7, sparking wild celebrations in the packed stadium.

England’s Jacob Bethell nearly engineered a late turnaround with a spectacular century, but India’s resilience saw them through, setting up a title clash with New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

The match, which saw a staggering 499 runs, was defined by two standout moments — Sanju Samson’s commanding innings and a breathtaking relay catch involving Axar Patel and Shivam Dube that shifted the momentum at a critical stage.



Samson’s 89 off 42 balls combined elegance with ruthlessness, showcasing timing and placement that made his strokeplay appear effortless. His innings, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, anchored India’s surge to 253 for 7 in 20 overs.

Earlier, England had opted to bowl after winning the toss, hoping the dew would help their chase. Early wickets, including Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal, seemed to validate the decision briefly, but Samson quickly swung momentum back India’s way.

Partnering Ishan Kishan, who scored a brisk 39 off 18 balls, Samson orchestrated a 97-run partnership, taking India to 117 by the halfway mark. He reached his half-century with authority, keeping the English fielding under constant pressure. After his departure, India’s platform remained strong, with Shivam Dube hitting 43 off 25 balls, Hardik Pandya contributing 27 off 12, and Tilak Varma adding a rapid 21 from just seven deliveries to propel India past 250.

England’s chase was audacious, anchored by Bethell and Will Jacks, who added 77 runs from 39 balls. Bethell’s fluent strokeplay kept hopes alive as boundaries flowed freely. However, a defining moment arrived when Jacks lofted a shot toward the deep boundary. Axar Patel sprinted, leapt near the rope, and caught the ball mid-air, realizing his momentum would carry him beyond the line. In a flash, he tossed it back into play, and Shivam Dube completed the catch — a relay effort of rare athleticism that dismissed Jacks for 35 and broke a crucial partnership.

Bethell continued to shine, scoring a magnificent 105 off 48 balls with eight fours and seven sixes, keeping England competitive. But timely wickets prevented them from seizing the match. Hardik Pandya struck twice at key moments, while Jasprit Bumrah’s miserly death-over spell conceded just six runs, turning the game India’s way. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel also contributed crucial wickets.

The game went down to the final over, with England needing a miracle. Jofra Archer blasted three sixes and, on the last ball, sent Dube over the ropes, finishing unbeaten on 19 off four balls. Yet it wasn’t enough — England ended on 246 for 7, and India emerged victorious by seven runs in one of the tournament’s most breathless contests.

For India, it was Sanju Samson’s authoritative batting and a moment of fielding brilliance that defined an unforgettable evening.