India survive Bethell onslaught to book T20 World Cup final spot

Defending champions India withstood Jacob Bethell's ‌brilliant hundred in a thrilling match to ‌beat England ⁠by seven ​runs ​on Thursday ‌to book a place in the final against New Zealand national cricket team.

Put in to bat, ⁠India racked up a commanding 253-7 ‌as Sanju Samson struck a commanding 89, supported ⁠by fluent ⁠contributions from Shivam ​Dube ‌and Ishan Kishan. 

England's reply was carried single-handedly by Bethell, who plundered a 48-ball 105 to keep ⁠his team in the ⁠hunt, but the two-time champions fell just short. 

It will be India’s fourth final in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. India lifted the title in 2007 and again in 2024, while finishing runners-up to Sri Lanka national cricket team in 2014.

After England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to field, India piled up a formidable 253 for seven — the highest total by any team in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

The innings was powered by a blistering 89 from Sanju Samson, supported by aggressive cameos from the middle order.

India lost opener Abhishek Sharma early for nine, but Samson ensured the momentum continued. Dropped on 15 by Brook off the bowling of Jofra Archer, Samson capitalised to reach a 26-ball half-century as India raced to 67 for one in the powerplay.

He shared a rapid 97-run partnership for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan, who struck 39 from just 18 balls before being caught off Adil Rashid.

Samson’s 42-ball knock, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, equalled the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match, matching Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 89 against the West Indies national cricket team in the 2016 semi-final.

For England, Will Jacks was the most economical bowler, finishing with two wickets for 40 runs.

India’s bowling attack held its nerve in the closing stages, with Jasprit Bumrah returning figures of one for 33 from four overs to help secure the narrow victory.

The final will be played on Sunday against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.