T20 World Cup: In a contest that had everything from towering sixes, nerveless death bowling and a breathtaking century, India held their nerve against England in the T20 World Cup 2026’s semifinals and beat them by seven runs to storm into the finals of the tournament on Thursday. The pulsating semifinal match was played in Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. 

Samson sets the tone with blistering 89, titled ‘Player of the Match’

England won the toss and sent India to bat, where batter Sanju Samson led the charge, and delivered a scintillating 89 off 42 deliveries. He laid the foundation for a formidable total of 253/7 against England. 

Meanwhile, the cameos from the middle order ensured that the momentum did not dip, as England’s bowlers exhibited a dismal performance. Samson’s splendid performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, though he was quick to credit the bowlers for seizing a berth in the finals.

Bethell’s heroics go down the drain

England’s reply was indeed, submissive. At 38/2, their hopes seemed dim, until Jacob Bethell produced an innings for the ages. He slammed a spectacular 105 off 48 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, and kept England in contention deep into the chase. However, despite his heroics, India’s death bowling turned the tide, as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya delivered clinical overs under intense pressure. Axar Patel emerged as the match’s unsung hero. He claimed a wicket, and saved vital runs in the field. 

England eventually fell short of seven runs, in a contest that will be etched in history books and will be remembered as a modern T20 classic.