In the second semi-final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India defeated England by seven runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India batted first and delivered a brutal batting effort, highlighted by a brilliant knock by Sanju Samson (89). Samson controlled from the start, surviving an early reprieve when Harry Brook dropped him for 15 off Jofra Archer. The wicketkeeper-batter punished England, rushing to a 26-ball half-century and eventually scoring an incredible 89 at a strike rate of more than 200, flooding the field with eight fours and seven sixes. India’s aggressive attitude was clear as they pounded England’s attack with 19 sixes and 18 boundaries. Shivam Dube (43) added to the destruction with four huge sixes before being run out by Brook’s direct shot. Late fireworks from Hardik Pandya (27) and Tilak Varma (21) propelled India above the 250-mark, resulting in a strong total that placed great scoreboard pressure on England.
England tried to reply aggressively to a difficult chase of 254, but they were unable to retain stability as wickets collapsed at pivotal moments. Jos Buttler (25) attempted a counterattack against Chakravarthy but was unsuccessful. Tom Banton (17) made a brief appearance that briefly raised optimism, but Jacob Bethell (105) was the one who really sparked England’s chase. Long into the innings, the left-hander kept England in contention with a brilliant attack that included a half-century off 19 balls. Aided by Will Jacks (35), the duo scored a rapid 77 runs together. However, a top relay catch on the boundary involving Axar Patel and Dube concluded Jacks’ innings and stalled England’s charge. Despite remaining within striking distance in the final overs, the required rate eventually proved too steep.
Defending a daunting target of 254, India’s bowlers struck at key moments to keep England from building sustained momentum. Pandya provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Phil Salt with his first delivery. England continued to attack, but Jasprit Bumrah produced a crucial breakthrough by removing Brook, with Axar taking a superb running catch. Varun Chakravarthy later halted England’s early charge by dismissing Jos Buttler. As the chase intensified, Bumrah’s exceptional control proved decisive, his two overs in the death phase conceded just 14 runs, tilting the match firmly back in India’s favour. Pandya finished with the best figures for India, while wickets were also shared by Arshdeep Singh, Chakravarthy and Axar, as India successfully defended the mammoth total amid a roaring home crowd.
England’s bowlers endured a difficult outing against India’s relentless batting lineup. Archer, expected to spearhead the attack, was heavily punished and finished with expensive figures of 1/61 from four overs. Jacks and Adil Rashid were the most effective bowlers, each claiming two wickets while trying to stem the flow of runs in the middle overs. However, England struggled to control the barrage of sixes as India repeatedly cleared the ropes. Ultimately, the inability to contain Samson and the middle order allowed India to post an imposing total that proved decisive in the contest.
The victory sets up a blockbuster T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. India will be playing their fourth T20 World Cup final, having previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2024 while finishing runners-up in 2014. With momentum firmly on their side and the home crowd behind them, the stage is set for a thrilling title clash.
Scorecard:
India: 253/7, Overs 20, Sanju Samson 89, Will Jacks 2/40
England: 247/7, Overs 20, Jacob Bethell 105, Hardik Pandya 2/38
