India 253-7 beat England 246-7 by seven runs
Multiple records broken in thrilling match
England, India, and the Wankhede Stadium ground staff delivered an extraordinary, high-scoring semi-final. Despite England's valiant effort, it ended in disappointment for them as numerous records were shattered throughout the match.
England scored 246 runs, a total surpassed only three times in their history, yet it was insufficient. The match witnessed unprecedented numbers of runs and sixes, with India hitting 19 sixes in a single innings—both teams conceding more runs than ever before in any T20 match at this venue. The climax saw Jofra Archer striking sixes off the last three legal deliveries, narrowing the margin to seven runs. India advanced to the final, where New Zealand awaits as their opponent for a chance at a third T20 World Cup title.
Despite the loss, England earned considerable credit for their performance. On the eve of the game, Harry Brook described his team as one "never quite out of the game," and remarkably, even after conceding 253 runs, they remained competitive until the final moments. England matched India's scoring pace with remarkable precision: one run ahead after the powerplay, equal totals after 10, 12, and 13 overs, and leading after 15, 16, and 17 overs. Amid this intense contest, Jacob Bethell produced a magnificent century, scoring 105 off 48 balls before being run out. However, India scored 48 runs in their last three overs, and England lost their grip near the finish line.
England's bowling was heavily punished, with Jofra Archer and Sam Curran ranking among the most expensive bowlers in T20 World Cup history. Archer, in particular, has struggled at the Wankhede, this match marking three of his four most expensive England performances at the ground, despite only four appearances there.
It was not only Archer who faced difficulties. England, recognizing the pitch favored seam bowling more than Colombo, reinstated Jamie Overton in place of Rehan Ahmed. Their expanded pace attack bowled 11 overs, conceding 150 runs. The only wicket came on their penultimate delivery when Archer dismissed Tilak Varma, who had briefly threatened to dominate.
England had aimed to silence the crowd, and while they briefly succeeded when Sanju Samson was caught at mid-on in the third over—after Abhishek Sharma was already dismissed—the Wankhede Stadium soon erupted again. A critical moment occurred when a catch slipped from Harry Brook's grasp, allowing Samson to continue. Samson, who had previously scored an unbeaten 97 to secure a win, was on 15 off six balls before the drop and eventually scored 89 off 42.
India's innings presented a challenging puzzle for England's captain, who rotated bowlers in search of breakthroughs. Despite various bowling changes and variations, the Indian batsmen maintained a high scoring rate. By the end of the powerplay, India had reached 67 for one, with a balance of boundaries and dot balls. As the innings progressed, they accelerated further. Of the seven Indian batsmen facing more than two deliveries, three scored at over two runs per ball, and another at three.
England faced a daunting target requiring nearly 13 runs per over, a scenario unfamiliar to them. This pressure, combined with the occasion's magnitude, the strength of their opponents, and the overwhelming home crowd, tested the English side severely.
Some players faltered under the pressure. Phil Salt was dismissed after just three balls. Jos Buttler, who had been close to form throughout the tournament, showed glimpses of his potential with several boundaries but was bowled by Varun Chakravarthy after a wild swing, finishing with 25 runs off 16 balls. Harry Brook lasted only six balls before being caught by Axar Patel. Though England's night ended in defeat, their performance was remarkably close to victory.
"Never quite out of the game," said Harry Brook on the eve of the match, reflecting England's resilience despite the high-scoring challenge.
