India clinched a thrilling 28-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2026 second semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, defending their massive 253/7 to storm into the final against New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah’s 4/32 and Axar Patel’s 3/19 dismantled England’s chase, restricting them to 225/8 despite Jacob Bethell’s valiant 82 off 32. Sanju Samson’s match-winning 67 off 28 earlier set the tone in a batting spectacle that captivated Mumbai’s roaring crowd.
India’s Record-Breaking Innings
Batting first after England’s toss decision to bowl, India erupted for 253/7—the highest semi-final total in T20 World Cup history. Samson blazed 67 with 8 fours and 4 sixes, partnering Ishan Kishan (35) for 50 and Shivam Dube (28*) for late fireworks including two Rashid sixes. Suryakumar Yadav (42) and Hardik Pandya (27) accelerated past 177/3 at 14 overs, overcoming drops like Samson’s on 15.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 67 | 28 | 8 | 4 |
| Ishan Kishan | 35 | 20 | 4 | 1 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 42 | 24 | 3 | 2 |
| Shivam Dube | 28* | 19 | 1 | 2 |
England’s Valiant but Falling Chase
Chasing 254, England raced to 83/3 by 7 overs led by Bethell (82) and Jos Buttler (45), but Bumrah’s double strike in the 12th (Jacks lbw, Brook caught) triggered collapse. Axar spun a web in the middle overs, removing Salt and Banton, while Kuldeep Yadav’s googly felled Rashid. Bethell’s late assault fell short at 225/8, echoing India’s 2022 semi-final dominance but reversed.
Decisive Bowling Spells
India’s spinners shone: Axar (3/19) and Kuldeep (2/28) exploited Wankhede grip, conceding just 52 in overs 7-15. Bumrah’s death-over yorkers sealed it, his 4/32 earning Player of the Match honors alongside Samson’s bat. England’s fielding errors (4 drops) proved costly against India’s depth.
India now eyes a title defense in Ahmedabad, with momentum from home heroes and tactical nous under Suryakumar Yadav.
