News Flash Daily
06 March 
Sanju Samson’s explosive 89 powers India to a record 253 as the defending champions edge past England in a high-scoring thriller at Mumbai
Mumbai: In a breathtaking contest at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the India national cricket team defeated the England cricket team by 7 runs in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, securing their place in the tournament final.
The defending champions will now face the New Zealand national cricket team in the T20 World Cup Final scheduled on March 8, as India aims to clinch another global title.
India’s victory came after a spectacular batting display and disciplined bowling performance that ultimately halted England’s aggressive chase in one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.
India’s Batting Dominance: Massive 253-Run Total
After losing the toss and being put in to bat first, the Indian national cricket team suffered an early setback. However, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson produced a sensational innings that laid a strong foundation for the team.
Samson smashed 89 runs off just 42 deliveries, striking 8 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, putting immense pressure on the English bowling attack. His explosive knock turned the momentum firmly in India’s favor.
He received strong support from Ishan Kishan, who scored 39 runs off 18 balls, while middle-order batter Shivam Dube added 43 runs from 25 deliveries, continuing the aggressive momentum against England.
In the final overs, Hardik Pandya scored a quick 27 runs, while Tilak Varma contributed 21 runs, helping India post a massive 253/7 in 20 overs.
The score marked the highest total ever recorded in a knockout match in T20 World Cup history, putting England under enormous pressure in the chase.
England’s Fightback and Bethell’s Century
Chasing a daunting target of 254 runs, the England cricket team suffered early blows as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya struck crucial early wickets.
However, young England batter Jacob Bethell launched a stunning counterattack that briefly put India under pressure. Bethell reached his half-century in just 19 balls and went on to score a spectacular century, bringing England close to an improbable victory.
He was supported by Will Jacks, who played a powerful innings of 77 runs, keeping England firmly in the contest.
Dramatic Final Over Seals India’s Victory
The match went down to a dramatic finish as England required 30 runs in the final over to win.
The last over was bowled by Shivam Dube, and despite Jofra Archer smashing consecutive sixes, England fell short of the target.
England eventually finished with 246/7 in 20 overs, handing India a narrow yet memorable 7-run victory.
The win secured India’s second consecutive T20 World Cup final appearance, strengthening their bid to retain the championship title.
Match Summary
India: 253/7 (20 overs) – Sanju Samson 89, Shivam Dube 43; Will Jacks 2/26
England: 246/7 (20 overs) – Jacob Bethell 100+, Will Jacks 77; Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya two wickets each
Player of the Match: Sanju Samson
