Sanju Samson’s 89, Axar's Magical Athleticism Seal India’s T20 WC Final Spot Against New Zealand, Beat England In SFs

India vs England T20 World Cup: Axar Patel's breathtaking athleticism and Sanju Samson's explosive 89 helped India set up the T20 World Cup 2026 final date with New Zealand, beating England in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

India's emphatic victory in the T20 World Cup semifinal was a hard-fought one, with England putting up a strong chase despite India's imposing total of 253.

The English team refused to back down, keeping the contest alive until the very end as youngste Jacob Bethell played a knock to remember in the sweltering heat of Mumbai.

India’s Innings

India's batting onslaught, led by Sanju Samson's streaking 89 off 42 balls, featuring 7 sixes and 8 fours, moved them to a massive 253.

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Samson was on fire as he dominated England's bowlers with his aggressive strokeplay. He anchored India's innings, putting on a crucial 97-run partnership with Ishan Kishan (39 off 18) after Abhishek Sharma fell early for 9.

Samson continued his aggressive batting, adding 43 runs for the third wicket with Shivam Dube, who scored 43 off 25 deliveries. Samson reached his half-century in just 26 balls, his second successive fifty in the tournament.

Shivam Dube (43), Ishan Kishan (39), Hardik Pandya (27), and Tilak Varma (21) also contributed to India's imposing total.

England’s Chase

England faced early setbacks with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy claiming wickets in the powerplay, but they remained unfazed, reaching 68/3 in six overs.

Jacob Bethell's brilliant century, the third fastest for England, kept his team in contention. Bethell forged crucial partnerships with Jos Buttler and Tom Banton, then added a game-changing 77-run stand with Will Jacks and a 50-run partnership with Sam Curran.

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Bethell's heroic effort wasn't enough, as India's late-game wave sealed the win. Bumrah and Pandya's clutch bowling left England needing 30 off the last over. Shivam Dube's sharp fielding off the first delivery of the final over dismissed Bethell, dashing England's hopes as they finished on 246/7.

India vs New Zealand In Final

Suryakumar Yadav-led India will face Mitchell Santner's New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.