India edge England by 7 runs after posting record 253, storm into T20 World Cup final

Sanju Samson’s 89 and a last-over thriller at Wankhede send defending champions into second straight final; New Zealand await on March 8

Defending champions India sealed a thrilling seven-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to book their place in the final on March 8. India will now take on New Zealand in the title clash.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India recovered from an early setback to produce a record-breaking total. The team piled up 253 for 7 in 20 overs - the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

The foundation was laid by Sanju Samson, who played a stunning knock of 89 off just 42 balls, smashing eight fours and seven sixes. He was well supported by Ishan Kishan, who made 39 from 18 deliveries. In the middle overs, Shivam Dube struck 43 off 25 balls to keep the momentum going. Late fireworks from Hardik Pandya (27) and Tilak Varma (21) ensured India crossed the 250-mark.

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Chasing 254, England were put under early pressure by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who picked up two wickets each. However, young batter Jacob Bethell launched a fierce counterattack.

He raced to a half-century in just 19 balls and went on to score a brilliant century, bringing England close to victory. Will Jacks added 77 runs and also impressed with the ball earlier, returning figures of 2 for 26.

The match went down to the final over, with England needing 30 runs. Shivam Dube was entrusted with the last over. Jofra Archer struck consecutive sixes, but the target proved too steep. England finished at 246 for 7 in 20 overs.

India won by seven runs in a high-scoring thriller to enter their second successive T20 World Cup final. Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings.