India edge England by 7 runs in thriller to reach T20 World Cup 2026 final

Chasing a daunting target of 254, England fought hard but eventually fell short, finishing at 246/7 in their 20 overs of the second semi-final.

Earlier, India piled up a massive 253/7 riding on a blistering knock from Sanju Samson, who smashed 89 off just 42 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes. He was supported by Shivam Dube, who scored a quickfire 43 off 25 balls with one four and four sixes.

Late fireworks from Hardik Pandya (27) and Tilak Varma (21 off just seven balls) pushed India beyond the 250-run mark.

England kept up with the steep required run rate for most of the chase, but disciplined death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) and Pandya (2/38) ensured India held their nerve.

Jacob Bethell slammed his maiden T20I hundred supplying the uninterrupted steam to England's chase until he fell short of the ground in his bid for a second run. 

The southpaw, who amassed eight fours and seven sixes until his runout by Pandya and Samson, went back to the hut scoring 105 off only 48 balls, virtually confirming India's advancement to the final. 

Jofra Archer struck three sixes in the final over in a late surge, but England ultimately finished seven runs short.

Defending champions India will now face New Zealand in the final of the tournament on March 8.