India secured their place in the T20 World Cup final with a dramatic victory over England in Mumbai, despite a stunning century from England's Jacob Bethell. Put into bat by England captain Harry Brook, India posted a formidable 253/7, the highest total ever conceded by England in T20 internationals. Sanju Samson led the charge with a sparkling 89, supported by Shivam Dube (43), Ishan Kishan (39), and Hardik Pandya (27) as the co-hosts dominated the Wankhede Stadium.
England's reply began poorly, losing Phil Salt early and Harry Brook for just seven to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Jacob Bethell produced a magnificent knock, scoring his maiden T20 century off 45 balls to keep England in the hunt. His 105 kept the required rate in check, but he was run out in the final over as Bumrah and Pandya held their nerve with death bowling, restricting England to 246/8 and sealing a seven-run win for India.
England captain Harry Brook admitted his decision to field first was based on expecting early spin, but the pitch played true and India capitalised. He also lamented dropping Samson early in the innings, saying, 'I will hold my hands up and say that I made a big mistake dropping him because catches win matches.' Coach Brendon McCullum praised his team's resilience, noting they were 'hard to beat' throughout the tournament, but acknowledged India's superior fielding, particularly Axar Patel's two crucial catches, as the difference.
India will now face New Zealand in the final, while England reflect on a campaign that saw them win tight group games but ultimately fall short in the semi-final. McCullum added, 'The ultimate goal is to win the trophy, but you don't always get what you want. Immensely proud of the way the guys have performed.'
