The second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup saw India defeat England in a thrilling seven-run victory at the famous Wankhede Stadium, securing a championship match against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Men in Blue are now only one step away from winning the championship twice and becoming the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup championship.

Sanju Samson‘s explosive 89 off 42 deliveries propelled India to 253/7 against England in their first innings. Samson continued his strong play in the tournament, scoring 89 runs in 42 deliveries, which included seven sixes and eight fours. With forceful stroke play all over the field, the right-hander anchored India’s innings and dominated the England bowlers from the start.

Samson and Ishan Kishan, who scored a blistering 39 off just 18 balls, formed a vital 97-run stand for the second wicket after Abhishek Sharma was dismissed early for nine. Then, along with Shivam Dube, who scored a quick 43 off 25 balls, Samson scored another 43 runs for the third wicket.

Before ultimately being caught by Phil Salt off Will Jacks as he tried a wide stroke, Samson scored his half-century in only 26 deliveries, making it his second consecutive fifty in the competition.

India surpassed the 250 mark with late cameos from Hardik Pandya, who hit 27 off 12 deliveries, and Tilak Varma, who smashed 21 off only seven balls. Despite taking two wickets apiece for England, Adil Rashid and Will Jacks found it difficult to hold back India’s aggressive batting lineup.

England had an early setback when Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy each took a wicket during the power play, but the English team appeared unperturbed by the blows and brought their score to 68/3 at the conclusion of the sixth over.

Despite the 2022 champions’ top-order collapsing, middle-order batsman Jacob Bethell maintained his team in the game with a magnificent century, the third quickest for England. He established important alliances with Jos Buttler and Tom Banton before introducing a game-changing 77-run partnership with Will Jacks and a 50-run partnership with Sam Curran, both of which helped to maintain the momentum in check.

But Pandya put pressure on England by dismissing Curran in the second to last over. In spite of Bethell’s continued efforts and outstanding performance, Bumrah and Pandya’s timely bowling in the end forced England to require 30 runs in the last over.

India kept Brook-led side to 246/7 in 20 overs, and a superb fielding performance resulted in Bethell’s dismissal off the first ball, ending England’s hopes as Dube was entrusted with bowling the final over.

As India advanced to the final for the second time in a row, the team headed by Harry Brook lost by eight runs.

Great game, England played well! What a group effort What amazing performances by Hardik Pandya, ShivamDube, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Sanju Samson was outstanding! Amazing. The BCCI president, Mithun Manhas, stated that we will be moving on to the finals in Ahmedabad.

The ideal conclusion to the evening! This is what a great match attitude looks like: Team India’s fearless cricket, mental fortitude, and excellent teamwork. Huge thanks to Sanju Samson and Jacob Bethell for their performance today. That’s the mentality that elevates large games to an even higher level. I’m really pleased with the guys and how well they’re representing the nation. Former cricketer Suresh Raina wrote on X, “Only one step away now. ”

Harbhajan Singh, the former spinner, commended the team’s bowling at the conclusion as well as Samson’s innings. “How many runs are considered safe these days?? ” The IND vs. ENG semi-final was insane. The game-changer was TeamIndia’s decision to prioritize bowling above dying. Big congrats on the victory. Once more, @IamSanjuSamson showed that he is committed to playing serious cricket. In addition, @IamShivamDube and @TilakV9 made significant contributions. At the end, @Jaspritbumrah93 and other bowlers obliterated them. For the finale, maintain the momentum.

The team effort was also praised by Yusuf Pathan, a former all-rounder for India. “@BCCI shows excellent teamwork. ” Jasprit Bumrah’s 18th over completely altered the course of the match, Axar Patel excelled in the field, and Sanju Samson delivered a fantastic performance. Outstanding victory! “INDvENG”

Bumrah’s impact was highlighted by his brother Irfan Pathan. “My Man of the match in a 500-run game is Jasprit Bumrah. 8. 25 economy. He made all the difference.

A performance characterized by composure, conviction, and stepping up when it counted the most, according to VVS Laxman. Team India’s stunning triumph in the semifinals deserves praise. For the finals, I send the team my best wishes.

The exciting match was lauded by Angelo Mathews, a former Sri Lankan all-rounder. “@ECB_cricket’s one heck of a chase, and what a knock from bethel! What a match! India manages to accomplish it somehow! Anticipating a great conclusion!

The crew was also congratulated by Lalit Modi, the creator of the Indian Premier League. “Cheers to TeamIndia for defeating England in a nail-biting contest. To India’s 253 runs, England responded with an incredible pursuit. To the pleasure of all cricket enthusiasts, both clubs played exceptionally well. I can’t wait for the finals. A big shout out to @gautamgambhir and his team. Excellent. ”

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan emphasized the team’s combined performance on the field, with the bat, and with the ball. “The boys put on an outstanding show in a great match, with @IamSanjuSamson leading the way with the bat, @IamShivamDube offering excellent support, and @Jaspritbumrah93 leading a disciplined bowling attack with @hardikpandya7’s critical penultimate over making a significant impact. A special shout out to @akshar2026 for that outstanding performance in the field, snagging two incredible catches. Consecutive finals of the T20 World Cup. One more to go.

The thrilling match was best described by Anjum Chopra, the former captain of the India women’s team. “Relief and belief! ” India wins by seven runs after 253 on board. At Wankhede Stadium, there was another run fest.

The exciting high-scoring match that secured India’s place in the championship game captivated the cricket world.

Brief scores:

India 253/7 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 89, Shivam Dube 43, Ishan Kishan 39; Will Jacks 2-40, Adil Rashid 2-41)
England 246/7 in 20 overs (Jacob Bethell 105, Will Jacks 35; Hardik Pandya 2-38, Jasprit Bumrah 1-33, Axar Patel 1-35)