India qualified for the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in a nail-biting finish when they beat England by seven runs in a thrilling game held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 5, 2026.
Samson Sets the Tone for a Huge Indian Total
The Indian innings got off to a flying start in the powerplay phase of the game, where India reached 67/1 in the first six overs. Sanju Samson was instrumental in setting the tone for a huge Indian score.
Samson scored a half-century in just 26 balls, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes in a dominating display against English bowlers. He scored a rapid 50-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, taking India's score past 100 in just 8.3 overs.
The Indian innings continued to gather steam in the middle overs, where India reached 150 in 12.4 overs and 200 in the 17th over. Late in the innings, India continued to score heavily and reached a colossal 253/7 in 20 overs, one of the highest scores in the tournament. England could only manage 246/7 in 20 overs.
Samson’s 89 off 42 balls provided the perfect platform, and he was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match.
England Fight Back as Bethell Steals the Show
Chasing a target of 254, England came out all guns blazing, losing three wickets in the first six overs, and were reduced to 68/3.
Then, Jacob Bethell came in and gave a spectacular display of counter-attacking cricket, hitting a fantastic fifty in just 19 balls and continuing to smash the Indian bowlers.
In company with Will Jacks, England got a rapid 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket, and Bethell went on to score a fantastic hundred in just 45 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes.
In company with Sam Curran, England went past the 200-run mark in the 17th over and took the game deep into the final overs.
India Stand Firm in the Closing Moments
Despite Bethell’s fantastic century, England fell just short, and the Indian bowlers held their nerves in the final overs, limiting England to 246/7 in 20 overs.
The thrilling contest ended with India securing a seven-run victory, sending the home crowd at Wankhede into celebration.
Player of the Match
Sanju Samson (India) – 89 runs off 42 balls.
Road to the Final
With this victory, India advance to the T20 World Cup Final, keeping their title hopes alive after a high-scoring semi-final classic that will be remembered as one of the most exciting matches of the tournament.