T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket fraternity reacts as India qualifies for the final by defeating England by 7 runs in a run fest

India will face New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8 in Ahmedabad.

India and England faced off in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 5, 2026. This game was played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. India was asked to bat first after England skipper Harry Brook won the toss.

Abhishek Sharma failed yet again, scoring 7 runs. However, Sanju Samson led the way with 89 runs, including eight fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan (39), Shivam Dube (43), Hardik Pandya (27), and Tilak Varma (21) contributed to India's impressive 253/7 total in 20 overs.

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah reduced England to 64/3courtesyt some brilliant catches and fielding efforts by Axar Patel, but Jacob Bethell decided to counter-attack. He got support from Will Jacks (35 in 20 balls). But it was Bethell who continued to assault Indian bowlers, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes as he scored 105 runs in 48 balls.

But some brilliant death overs bowled by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya helped India restrict England to 246/7 in 20 overs and win the game by 7 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers for his 1/33 in four overs. Sanju Samson got the Player of the Match for his 89-run knock.

With this win, India qualified for the final of the T20 World Cup for the second time and will face New Zealand on March 8 in Ahmedabad in an exciting encounter.

The cricket fraternity was all stunned at the number of sixes hit by England as runs flowed freely. They congratulated the Indian team for their qualification for the final and lauded Jacob Bethell as well on social media.

Here are the posts:

What a match and what a performance from the boys ???????????? @IamSanjuSamson leading the way with the bat, @IamShivamDube providing great support, and a disciplined bowling effort led by @Jaspritbumrah93 with @hardikpandya7’s crucial penultimate over making a big difference. Special… pic.twitter.com/Rwx0fJyQX4

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) March 5, 2026

So many elements in the game to talk about. Batting being sensational from both sides. But the difference between the two sides in the end was just one guy. The great Jasprit Bumrah! ????????????????????????

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 5, 2026

Death over bowling of #TeamIndia made the difference. Congratulations for the huge win. Again @IamSanjuSamson proved that he means serious cricket. @IamShivamDube and @TilakV9 also made notable contributions. @Jaspritbumrah93 and other bowlers decimated them at the end. Keep up…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 5, 2026

One heck of a chase by @ECB_cricket what a knock by bethel ! What a game! India finds away to pull it off !! Expecting a fantastic final !

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) March 5, 2026

What a game! A shootout!!
Bowlers win it for you. That man Bumrah!!!

Jacob Bethell is special.

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) March 5, 2026

Worthy of a semifinal. England had their moments but India held their nerve when it mattered. Sharp catching and Bumrah made all the difference. Into the final! ???????? ???????? #T20WorldCup2026

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) March 5, 2026

Phenomenal game of cricket worthy of the occasion! Almost everyone turned up to the party, superb knock by Sanju but equally impressive cameos through the order. India’s fielding was hot today led by Axar! And of course masterful execution at the death by Boom, Arsh and Hardik.… pic.twitter.com/eqx4UEFfNq

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 5, 2026

In a 500 runs game, my Man of the match is Jasprit Bumrah. Economy of 8.25. HE WAS THE DIFFERENCE.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 5, 2026

Special mention today to someone who constantly flies under the radar… @akshar2026 !! His fielding was the difference today between winning and losing!! Top notch stuff!! ????????

— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) March 5, 2026

Brilliant team effort from @BCCI. Sanju Samson played a superb knock, Axar Patel was outstanding in the field, and that 18th over from Jasprit Bumrah changed the game. Great win! #INDvENG

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 5, 2026

Believe in Blue ???????????? #T20WorldCup

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) March 5, 2026

Absolute CINEMA! ????????????

Short of words to write anything! Unreal game of cricket and then ONE @Jaspritbumrah93 made all the difference... ????

And yes, @IamSanjuSamson, @akshar2026 & @hardikpandya7 you were just brilliant! ????????????????

Jai Hind! ????????????????#T20WC2026 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OfGZa4g7pv

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) March 5, 2026

India.. India… ???????????? India… India… ????????????????
What a victory ????????????????
Take a bow Jasprit and Hardik ????
Axar’s catching was the game changer ????#INDvENG #T20WorldCup26

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 5, 2026

Into the FINAL! ????????????
An outstanding display of talent, determination and team spirit by Team India.

The entire nation is cheering for you..!#T20WorldCup #TeamIndia

— IamKedar (@JadhavKedar) March 5, 2026