 "Hardik Pandya once again delivered in clutch moment when India needed him the most. Image: AFP")
India and England battled hard in the second semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5. Batting first, India posted a massive 253/7 thanks to a brilliant 89 from Sanju Samson. However, at one stage, it looked like England would chase down the target. Jacob Bethell played a sensational knock of 105 from 48 balls, keeping his team alive.
With 39 needed off the last two overs, the game was still very much alive with Bethell taking the charge. But then came Hardik Pandya, who showed why he is one of India’s most reliable all-rounders. Bowling the 19th over, Hardik first sent Sam Curran packing for 18 with a low full toss that was flicked to Tilak Varma at midwicket and then restricted the flow of runs as well to give something to bowl at in the final over.
How Hardik ended England’s hopes
Then came the final nail in England’s hopes. On the first ball of the penultimate over, which was bowled by Shivam Dube, Jacob Bethell tried to steal a second run that wasn’t there and was brilliantly run out by Hardik and keeper Sanju Samson. The English batter’s heroic innings of 105 ended, and India took full control of the game after that.
Earlier, Hardik had been effective with the new ball, swinging it both ways and also providing the first breakthrough with Phil Salt’s wicket. At the death, he delivered yorker after yorker and conceded just 9 runs in his final over including a wicket. Jasprit Bumrah also bowled brilliantly under pressure alongside him after Arshdeep Singh went for a few runs in the 17th over.
England fought hard and even had moments of hope with Bethell’s fireworks and Will Jacks’ crucial contribution. But key moments went India’s way with two sensational catches by Axar Patel, one to dismiss Harry Brook and another brilliant relay to dismiss Will Jacks. The run-out by Hardik in the last over eventually ended England’s challenge as India won by 7 runs .
With this win, India also became the first defending champions to reach the final of the T20 World Cup. India will now face New Zealand in the final on Sunday, March 8 in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.