India beat England to reach the T20 World Cup final after surviving a fierce chase led by Jacob Bethell in a seven-run win on Thursday. Defending champions India will now face New Zealand in the final on Sunday.
Put in to bat, India posted a towering 253-7, then held their nerve at the death despite Bethell’s 48-ball century that kept England in the contest until the final overs.
After England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to field, India produced the highest total by any team in a T20 World Cup knockout match: 253 for seven.
Sanju Samson anchored the innings with a blistering 89. India lost opener Abhishek Sharma early for nine, but Samson kept up the tempo and made England pay after Brook dropped him on 15 off Jofra Archer.
Samson reached a 26-ball half-century as India surged to 67-1 in the powerplay. He then shared a rapid 97-run stand for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan, who smashed 39 off 18 before falling to Adil Rashid.
Samson’s 42-ball 89, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, equalled the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match, matching Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 89 against West Indies in the 2016 semi-final.
For England, Will Jacks was the most economical bowler with two wickets for 40.
Bethell’s century nearly pulls off the chase
England’s reply was powered by Jacob Bethell, who struck a sensational 105 off 48 balls to keep the chase alive. However, the two-time champions fell short despite their late surge.
India’s bowlers executed better in the closing stages. Jasprit Bumrah delivered key overs, finishing with 1 for 33 from four, as India closed out the match under pressure.
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With the win, India reached their fourth ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, having won the title in 2007 and 2024 and finished runners-up in 2014.
India will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
