Jacob Bethell’s brilliant century was not enough as India edged past England by seven runs to reach the T20 World Cup final in Mumbai.
Chasing a record 254 at Wankhede Stadium, Bethell, 22, smashed 105 from 48 balls. He rescued England from 63-3 and 95-4, keeping them in contention with boundaries off the final two balls of the 17th over, leaving 45 runs from the last three.
The crowd had cheered Sanju Samson’s earlier 89 from 42 balls, but Jasprit Bumrah maintained his composure, conceding just six runs in the following over. Sam Curran was caught for 18 in the 19th, while Hardik Pandya held firm in the closing stages. Bethell was run out trying to retain the strike, leaving England at 246-7.
India also benefited from two stunning catches by Axar Patel, dismissing Harry Brook and Will Jacks, though England suffered from a crucial drop early in the innings when Brook put down Samson on 15. India capitalized on the chance to set the highest T20 score ever against England.
India will face New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. England’s next match is the first Test of the summer against New Zealand in June, but Bethell’s heroic innings ensured they finish the tournament on a high note.
England had looked set for a heavy defeat, with dropped catches, 37 boundaries conceded, and a jubilant home crowd. Bethell’s inventive strokes, scoops, drives, and flicks kept the chase alive, earning applause as he departed.
Brook’s early fumble was costly, and England’s bowlers struggled on the flat pitch with short boundaries. Axar Patel later dismissed Brook and Jacks with athletic catches. Bumrah delivered under pressure with key yorkers and slower balls, finishing with 1-33. Varun Chakravarthy faced the brunt of Bethell’s assault, conceding 64 in four overs.
Samson’s 89 had been a reminder of his talent, as he struck 15 boundaries with flair. Shivam Dube contributed 43 from 25 balls, and Tilak Varma added 21 from seven, hitting Archer for three sixes. Hardik Pandya sealed the innings with 27 from 12 balls, helping India set a target England could not reach.
Despite Bethell’s heroics and contributions from Jofra Archer, England fell just short, as India advanced to the final, demonstrating their strength and championship credentials.
