MUMBAI: Defending champions India edged past England by seven runs in a high-octane second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, securing their place in the final against New Zealand.

In a match that produced a staggering 499 runs—the highest combined total in a T20 World Cup semi-final—India posted a formidable 253 for 7 after England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field first. Sanju Samson starred with a blistering 89 off just 42 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, providing the aggressive platform. Ishan Kishan contributed a quick 39 off 18 deliveries, while Shivam Dube added a destructive 43 from 25 balls to propel India to a record-breaking total for a semi-final, the highest in the tournament's history at this stage.

England's bowlers, including Adil Rashid (2-41) and Will Jacks (2-40), managed to stem the flow somewhat in the middle overs, but the flat Wankhede pitch offered little assistance as India accelerated in the death overs.

Chasing a daunting 254—the second-highest successful chase would have been in T20 World Cup history—England responded with characteristic aggression but lost early wickets. Phil Salt, Brook, and Jos Buttler fell cheaply, leaving them at 64 for 3. However, young sensation Jacob Bethell produced a magnificent counter-attacking innings, smashing 105 off 48 balls to keep England firmly in contention. His century, reached in just 45 balls, featured explosive strokeplay and partnerships with Will Jacks (35) and others, taking England to the brink.

Needing 45 from the final three overs, England required 22 from the last over bowled by Hardik Pandya. Despite late fireworks from Jofra Archer, including three sixes, the target proved just out of reach as England finished on 246 for 7. Pandya (2-38) and Jasprit Bumrah's disciplined death bowling proved decisive in restricting the visitors in the crucial final overs.

Samson was named Player of the Match for his match-defining knock, which outshone Bethell's heroic effort.

The victory marks India's second successive final appearance in the T20 World Cup, building on their title win in the previous edition. They will now face New Zealand in the summit clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday, aiming to defend their crown on home soil.

The thrilling contest lived up to its billing as a rematch of recent semi-final encounters, with India once again prevailing in a nail-biter against their old rivals. The Wankhede crowd erupted in joy as India held their nerve to advance, setting up what promises to be an electrifying final.