THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
India win a thriller by 7 runs
India 253/7 vs England 246/7
India Batting Highlights
India set a massive 254-run target, powered by a stunning Sanju Samson (89 off 42). An absolute blinder that kept India ahead all through the powerplay and middle overs. He was ably supported by Ishan Kishan (39 off 18) and Tilak Varma’s 21 off just 7 balls (strike rate: 300!).
England chose to bowl after winning the toss, but the Indians made them pay.
England’s Chase
England gave it everything in what was a sensational run chase. Jacob Bethell (105 off 48) — a brilliant century.
Almost pulled off the impossible, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes. And then Jofra Archer, coming in at No. 9, smashed 19 off 4 balls including 3 sixes to make the last over terrifying. But it wasn’t quite enough.
India Bowling
Hardik Pandya was the pick with 2 wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah was incredibly economical — 4 overs for just 33 runs (economy: 8.25). India held their nerves beautifully under pressure.
India now march into the T20 World Cup 2026 Final — an absolutely unreal performance Surya Kumar Yadav’s men!
The difference between the sides was the fielding. England dropped 2 crucial catches whilst India made two brilliant catches. Axar made breathtaking catch over his shoulder running 25 metres. The other catch was joint effort. Axar caught the running catch at the boundary and tossed it to Dube. He released the ball before falling over the boundary.
India now face New Zealand in the final. SKY himself chipped in with 11 off 6 in the middle order, and his bowling changes — particularly keeping Bumrah tight and using Hardik Pandya’s pace effectively — proved crucial in the end.
