In the Final!
OB Bureau
Wankhede Stadium witnessed a run-fest for the ages as India held their nerve to beat England by seven runs in a pulsating ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final and book a date with New Zealand in Sunday’s final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In a game packed with big hits, dramatic swings and late-over heroics, the Men in Blue produced a complete team performance to stay on course for history. A victory in the final would make India the first side to successfully defend the T20 World Cup crown.
Setting of the target
India’s charge was led by the explosive Sanju Samson, whose dazzling 89 off 42 balls lit up the Wankhede night. The right-hander tore into the England attack with eight fours and seven towering sixes, setting the tone for India’s imposing total of 253/7.
After Abhishek Sharma fell early for nine, Samson stitched together a vital 97-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who played a blistering cameo of 39 from just 18 balls. The pair kept the scoreboard racing before Kishan departed.
Samson, in ominous touch throughout the tournament, brought up his second successive half-century in just 26 deliveries. He then added another crucial stand, putting on 43 runs with Shivam Dube, who chipped in with a brisk 43 off 25 balls.
Though Samson eventually fell attempting an expansive shot, caught by Phil Salt off Will Jacks, the damage had already been done.
Late fireworks from Hardik Pandya (27 off 12) and Tilak Varma (21 off seven) ensured India surged past the 250 mark, leaving England with a daunting chase. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid picked up two wickets apiece but struggled to contain the relentless Indian batting.
The British reply
England’s reply began with early jolts as Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy struck in the powerplay. Yet the visitors refused to back down, reaching 68/3 by the end of the sixth over and keeping the chase alive.
What followed was a breathtaking counterattack from Jacob Bethell. The England middle-order batter produced a sensational century, the third fastest for his country, to drag his side right back into the contest. Bethell forged crucial partnerships with Jos Buttler and Tom Banton before building a game-changing 77-run stand with Will Jacks.
A further 50-run partnership with Sam Curran kept England firmly in the hunt, the scoreboard pressure mounting with every over. With three overs remaining, England needed 45 runs and the contest hung in the balance. That was when India’s bowlers delivered under pressure.
Jasprit Bumrah produced a superb 18th over, conceding just six runs, before Hardik Pandya followed it up with a tight penultimate over that yielded only nine runs and, crucially, the wicket of Sam Curran. Suddenly England needed 30 from the final over.
Shivam Dube was handed the ball for the decisive six deliveries. The first ball produced a moment of brilliance in the field as Jacob Bethell was dismissed, effectively ending England’s hopes. When the dust settled, England were restricted to 246/7, falling short in a dramatic finish.
‘Unbelievable feeling’
India captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) admitted the pressure was intense but praised the team’s composure in the closing stages. “Unbelievable feeling. Playing in India, leading an unbelievable side. Samson knew what he needed to do right when he went in. The team required it from him; it was due,” Yadav said after the match.
“They were always in the chase, but the way the bowlers pulled the game away was unbelievable. You know how capable Bumrah is,” he added.
The skipper also credited fielding coach T Dilip for the team’s improved efforts in the field, with Axar Patel producing two crucial catches that removed Harry Brook and Will Jacks.
Despite the victory, the India captain admitted he felt the nerves before the high-stakes clash. “I was very nervous. My heart rate would have been around 160-175. When we entered the stadium, it was already 80% full. Hopefully we gave the crowd a good game,” he said.
Who said what?
The thrilling win triggered a wave of praise from across the cricketing fraternity. BCCI president Mithun Manhas hailed the team effort, highlighting Samson’s knock and key contributions from Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel.
Former cricketer Suresh Raina described the performance as “fearless cricket” and lauded Samson and Bethell for producing a contest worthy of a World Cup semi-final. Harbhajan Singh credited India’s death bowling as the decisive factor, while Irfan Pathan singled out Bumrah’s influence, calling him the difference in a high-scoring match.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa also praised Axar Patel’s fielding effort, saying the two catches proved crucial in a game dominated by big hitting. Anjum Chopra summed up the mood best after a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. “Belief and relief! After 253 on board, India win by seven runs. What a run fest again at Wankhede,” she said. Now, with momentum firmly on their side, the Men in Blue head to Ahmedabad with just one hurdle left. One more match. One more push. And the chance to make T20 World Cup history.