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.

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.