India beat England by 7 runs, march into final; Sanju Samson named Player of the Match

MUMBAI: Team India has marched into the final by beating England by 7 runs in the semifinal in Mumbai. India will now face New Zealand in the title clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Chasing a massive target of 254 runs set by India, England fought hard but fell short despite a strong batting effort. The overs bowled by Jasprit Bumrah proved crucial in the end. A brilliant century by 22-year-old Jacob Bethell for England went in vain as the team managed only 246 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

England lost early wickets while chasing the target. Opener Phil Salt scored 5 (3), and captain Harry Brook made 7 (6) before getting out. Former captain Jos Buttler, who has been struggling with form, scored 25 (17) before being dismissed, leaving England at 64 for 3.

From there, 22-year-old Jacob Bethell almost single-handedly kept England in the contest. Although Tom Banton scored 17 (5) and Will Jacks made 35 (20), Bethell continued to take the game deep. However, after scoring a brilliant 105 runs from 48 balls, he was run out in the final over, ending England’s last hope of victory.

Sam Curran scored 18 (14) before getting out, while Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 19 (4) and Jamie Overton stayed not out on 2 (3). For India, Hardik Pandya took two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, India posted a massive total of 253 for 7 in their 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-opener Sanju Samson was the top scorer with 89 runs from 42 balls. Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube also contributed with important innings. Late hitting by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya helped India reach a big total.

India lost opener Abhishek Sharma early in the second over. He scored 9 (7). After that, wicketkeepers Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan built a strong partnership and took control of the game. The duo added 97 runs from 45 balls before Ishan Kishan was dismissed for 39 (18).

Shivam Dube, who came in next, also batted well and scored 43 (25), providing good support to Samson. Continuing his impressive form, Samson scored 89 runs from 42 balls with eight fours and seven sixes before being caught by Philip Salt at deep extra cover off the bowling of Will Jacks.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav scored 11 (6), while Tilak Varma made 21 (7) and Hardik Pandya added 27 (12). For England, Adil Rashid and Will Jacks took two wickets each.