A masterclass from Sanju Samson, combined with Jasprit Bumrah’s icy nerves and Axar Patel’s brilliance in the field, has propelled India to their fourth T20 World Cup final. Defeating England by seven runs in a high-octane semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium, the defending champions are now just one step away from making history. India will face New Zealand in the grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
Samson and the Top-Order Blitz
After England won the toss and opted to bowl, Sanju Samson continued his sublime form. Following up on his heroics against the West Indies, the wicketkeeper-batter smashed a breathtaking 89 off just 42 balls. Despite losing Abhishek Sharma early, Samson and Ishan Kishan (39) ensured India capitalized on the powerplay, racing to 67/1 in the first six overs.
Tactical Masterstrokes and a Towering Total
Stand and deliver! 🎆
Shivam Dube with a power-packed 43(25) to take #TeamIndia past 2⃣0⃣0⃣ 👏
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In a tactical shift to maintain the left-right batting combination, India promoted Shivam Dube to number four. Dube’s brute force against the spinners allowed Samson to reach his second consecutive half-century in just 26 deliveries.
The finishing touches were provided by Hardik Pandya (27 off 12) and Tilak Varma (21 off 7), who punished Jofra Archer in the death overs. Their late-inning cameo pushed India’s total to a massive 253/7, the highest ever in a T20 World Cup semi-final.
The Fightback: Jacob Bethell’s Lone Charge
England’s chase started poorly as Hardik Pandya struck with his very first ball, dismissing Phil Salt. While Jos Buttler showed flashes of his old self, the momentum shifted when Axar Patel sprinted backward to pluck a sensational catch to dismiss England captain Harry Brook off Bumrah’s bowling.
The match, however, remained in the balance thanks to a spectacular knock from young Jacob Bethell. The left-hander kept England’s hopes alive with a scorching 19-ball fifty, keeping the required run rate within striking distance.
Read also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup winners list
Bumrah and Axar Seal the Deal
We're witnessing an Axar Patel masterclass in the field! 🫡
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2026
Another 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯 to break the partnership 👏
Wicket No. 5️⃣
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With the game hanging by a thread, India’s "big-match" players stood tall:
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Followed his first catch with an incredible assisted-catch to Shivam Dube to remove the dangerous Will Jacks.
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Jasprit Bumrah: Proved once again why he is a legend of the game. His final two overs went for just 14 runs, suffocating Bethell and Sam Curran with a barrage of pinpoint yorkers.
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Hardik Pandya: Bowled a disciplined 19th over, conceding only 9 runs and leaving 30 for Dube to defend in the final over.
