Samson’s Storm and Bumrah’s Ice: India Edge England in Wankhede Thriller to Reach World Cup Final

By New Delhi Chronicle Sports Bureau

Mumbai, March 6, 2026 – In what will be remembered as one of the greatest T20 World Cup encounters, India survived a monumental scare from England at the Wankhede Stadium to secure a 7-run victory and march into the 2026 World Cup Final. In a game where nearly 500 runs were scored, India’s “new-gen” stars proved their mettle on the grandest stage.

Samson Leads the Charge

After England won the toss and elected to bowl, India’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson took the attack to the visitors early. While Sharma fell for 9, Samson played the innings of his life. He smashed 89 off just 42 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes, turning the Wankhede into a cauldron of noise.

Samson was ably supported by Ishan Kishan (39 off 18) and Shivam Dube (43 off 25). In the final overs, Hardik Pandya (27 off 12) and Tilak Varma (21 off 7) provided the finishing kick, propelling India to a record-breaking 253/7—the highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

The Bethell Scare

England’s chase looked dead and buried after they lost superstars Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Harry Brook within the Powerplay. However, 22-year-old Jacob Bethell stunned the Mumbai crowd with a breathtaking century. Bethell’s 105 off 48 balls kept England in the hunt until the very last over, threatening to pull off the highest successful chase in T20 history.

Nerve of Steel

The match came down to the final three overs with England needing 45 runs. Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) displayed his legendary composure, bowling a masterclass 18th over that conceded only 6 runs.

The drama peaked in the final over with England needing 30. A crucial run-out of Bethell off the first ball effectively sealed the game, despite some late hitting by Jofra Archer. England finished on 246/7, falling just 7 runs short of the target.

India now moves to Ahmedabad for the Grand Final against New Zealand this Sunday, as they look to defend their world title.