India down England to set epic final clash with Black Caps
By Nawaz Gohar ; In a game that defied the limits of T20 cricket, a masterclass from Sanju Samson and a steel-nerved bowling performance propelled India to a breathtaking seven-run victory over England at the Wankhede Stadium.
The win secures India’s spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final, where they will face New Zealand this Sunday at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
After being put in to bat, India unleashed a batting masterclass, posting a colossal 253/7. While Abhishek Sharma fell early, the Wankhede crowd was treated to a “Samson Special.” Sanju Samson played the innings of his life, a blistering 89 off just 42 balls, decorated with eight boundaries and seven towering sixes.
Samson found an aggressive ally in Ishan Kishan (39 off 18), as the pair dismantled the English attack in a rapid 97-run partnership. Shivam Dube (43) and late cameos from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma ensured the momentum never dipped, pushing India to a daunting total that seemed insurmountable.
Chasing 254, England’s pursuit began in tatters. Dangerous openers Phil Salt and Captain Harry Brook were back in the dugout within five overs, leaving England reeling at 38/2. However, the match was far from over.
Young Jacob Bethell produced a knock for the ages, a magnificent 105 off 48 deliveries. Bethell’s century kept the English dream alive as he shared explosive stands with Will Jacks (35) and Sam Curran. At one stage, England appeared favorites to pull off the greatest chase in T20 history.
With the game hanging in the balance, India’s veteran bowling core stood tall. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel provided the crucial breakthroughs, but it was the final over drama that sealed the result. Bethell, the linchpin of the chase, was tragically run out on the first ball of the 20th over, effectively ending England’s hopes.
Hardik Pandya (2/38) led a disciplined collective effort alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, restricting England to 246/7 in a contest where nearly 500 runs were scored.
India now turns its sights to the Black Caps. After surviving one of the most dramatic semi-finals in tournament history, the Men in Blue head to Ahmedabad with momentum and a batting lineup firing on all cylinders.
