India produced a thrilling performance under pressure to defeat England by 7 runs in a dramatic T20 World Cup semi-final and secure a place in the final in Ahmedabad. In a match packed with big hits, stunning catches and late drama, the Men in Blue held their nerve to seal victory and keep their title hopes alive.
India's Innings
Earlier in the night, India posted a massive 253/7, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup semi-final. The innings was anchored by Sanju Samson, who delivered a sensational knock of 89. It was the joint-highest individual score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup semi-final. Samson brought up his half-century in just 26 balls and dominated England’s bowlers during the Powerplay as India raced to 67 runs despite losing Abhishek Sharma early.
Samson’s attacking display included a flurry of boundaries and sixes. He was also given a lifeline when Harry Brook dropped a straightforward catch. The Indian opener made England pay immediately, smashing Jofra Archer for two fours and a six in the same over.
Ishan Kishan provided good support before England finally found relief through Adil Rashid, who dismissed the dangerous batter. Shivam Dube then stepped in and continued the momentum, hammering 43 off just 25 balls. Though Dube survived an LBW review earlier, he was later run out after a mix-up with Hardik Pandya.
England managed to pick up another wicket when Suryakumar Yadav was stumped, but India’s scoring rate stayed above 12 runs per over. Samson eventually missed out on a century when he was caught in the deep for 89, but by then he had already laid the foundation for a huge total.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma finished the innings strongly, pushing India to a record-breaking score and putting England under immense pressure.
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England fought hard in the chase. Jacob Bethell played a brilliant innings and kept the contest alive with a gritty half-century, while Will Jacks added 77 off 39 balls in a crucial partnership. However, India kept striking at key moments.
Axar Patel produced a stunning catch near the boundary that Shivam Dube completed to dismiss Jacks, while Varun Chakaravarthy removed Jos Buttler after being hit for three consecutive sixes. Hardik Pandya also delivered a crucial breakthrough, forcing Sam Curran to hole out to Tilak Varma at long-on.
Despite Bethell’s resistance, India held their nerve in the final overs to clinch a memorable 7-run victory and book their place in the T20 World Cup final.
