India vs England, ICC MT20 WC, 2026 Mar 5 Full score card

SIX! Jofra Archer hits three sixes, but that still won't be enough! INDIA WIN BY 7 RUNS AND MARCH INTO THE 2026 T20 WORLD CUP FINAL. Shivam Dube misses his mark again, serves this in the slot, on off. Archer leans back and smokes it over the wide long off fence for a maximum. The celebration begins at Wankhede. What a game, truly epic!

SIX MORE! Another full toss, on off, Jofra Archer does not miss out and dispatches it over the long off fence again for half a dozen more.

WIDE! Slower one, full but a bit too wide outside off, Jofra Archer leaves it alone.

SIX! SMACKED! Full toss, on off, Jofra Archer extends his arms and launches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

A yorker around off, Overton pushes it away through mid off and takes a run.

India's game to lose, barring any extras! In the blockhole, on off, Jofra Archer swings but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball stops on the pitch. The batters steal a run.

Take a bow, Jacob Bethell. This knock of his will be remembered and talked about for a long, long time. He is received with a standing ovation from his teammates and the crowd at Wankhede also admires his fighting batsmanship. Jofra Archer walks in at number 9.

OUT! JACOB BETHELL IS RUN OUT! And that's the game for India. Shivam Dube bowls a full toss, on off. Bethell smashes it down the ground but straight towards Hardik Pandya on the bounce. He turns around for the second, but Pandya shows a good presence of mind as he fires in a throw quickly at the batter's end. The throw actually is a bit too wide, but Sanju Samson collects it to his right and drags his hands to break the stumps, with Bethell short of his ground despite the dive. Jacob Bethell walks back amidst a standing ovation from the English balcony.

What a fantastic last couple of overs from an Indian point of view. Last 6 balls coming up, England need 30 runs. And it won't be Axar, but Shivam Dube to wrap up. Also, India have been penalised for not completing their overs on time. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be kept inside the inner ring.

Superb over from Hardik Pandya! Just 9 off it! Hardik Pandya executes the wide yorker, just inside the tramline. Jamie Overton leaves it thinking it will be a wide, but it is not. 5 sixes needed in the last over.

Goes for the yorker, but it is the low full toss, around off. Bethell smashes it to the left of the cover. The fielder dives in that direction and makes a sharp stop. Just a single.

Aims the blockhole, on off, Jamie Overton drills it down to long on for only a single.

Jamie Overton is in at number 8. And he is no mug with the bat either. England still need 32 from 9 balls.

OUT! TAKEN! Hardik Pandya gets his second and more importantly, it is a dot ball. A low full toss, on middle and leg. Sam Curran looks to flick it away but does not go through the shot fully. It flies in the air straight towards deep mid-wicket, where Tilak Varma settles himself just ahead of the ropes and takes a safe catch. England are 222/6.

A full toss, on middle, Jacob Bethell slogs it on the bounce to long on for a single.

SIX! Just over and that brings up the HUNDRED FOR BETHELL! Fuller and outside off, Jacob Bethell throws his hands at it and carves it wide of long off. Axar Patel runs to his right, gets a hand on it but only manages to parry it over the fence for a biggie. This has been a superb knock from the youngster and that too in a pressure semi-final, but the job is far from done here.

Bumrah has done his job for his side. But India still cannot stay at ease as his overs have been exhausted and runs have flown from the other end. Hardik Pandya (3-0-29-1) to bowl the penultimate over, as England need 39 from 12 balls. Which also means, Axar could bowl the final over.

No, they just see Jasprit Bumrah out! Pitched up and on leg, Jacob Bethell clips it through mid-wicket for one more. Bumrah ends his spell with figures of 4-0-33-1.

Full toss again, on middle and leg, Sam Curran bunts it down towards long on for one. Can England find a boundary in this over?

A full toss, down the leg side, Sam Curran flicks it away towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

Nails the yorker once again, on middle, tailing in. Jacob Bethell digs it out from the bottom half of the bat towards the leg side. They cross. Just 2 runs in the first 3 balls in this over.

In the blockhole, on middle, Sam Curran jams it out towards long on for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah starts with a dot! Fuller and on middle, angling in. Sam Curran does not have any room to work with and bunts it back to the bowler. Dot balls will hurt England here.

Okay, decision-making time for Suryakumar Yadav. Three overs left - Bumrah, Axar, and Hardik each have one remaining under their belts. But who does he turn up to for this over? Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-27-1) has been handed over the ball. He has been excellent so far when the others have been taken to the cleaners. The equation - England need 45 from 18 balls.

FOUR! The last two balls spoil the over as it goes for 16 runs. Arshdeep Singh serves this fuller and just outside off. Jacob Bethell reaches out and just opens the face of his bat to squeeze it past the keeper, to the third man fence for a boundary.

SIX! Clean strike! Arshdeep Singh misses his yorker and serves a low full toss, on off. Jacob Bethell holds his shape nicely and pumps it over the long off fence for a biggie.

WIDE! Goes for the wide yorker again, but fails to execute it. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone. Wided.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Sam Curran pulls it wide of long on for just a run, as Hardik Pandya is quick to mop it up. This is turning out to be a great over for India.

Pitched up and on middle and off, Sam Curran backs away and drills it wide of sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Arshdeep Singh sees the batter wind up for the scoop, serves this full and outside off. Jacob Bethell adjusts to the line of the ball and steers it to point for a single.

Excellent bowling! Arshdeep Singh goes for the yorker again, but targets the stumps this time, tailing in just a bit. Jacob Bethell gets his bat down in time to dig it out. A precious dot ball in the context of the game.

WIDE! Wide yorker gone wrong, outside the tramline, Jacob Bethell lets it go.

A fantastic over from Jasprit Bumrah. Went for just 8 runs. England need 61 runs from 24 balls. Arshdeep Singh (3-0-35-1) is back on.

A wide yorker now, outside off, Jacob Bethell squeezes it out to deep point for one more.

Short of a length and on off, takes pace off, Sam Curran pulls it away through mid-wicket for another run.

Nails the slower dipping yorker, on middle, Sam Curran can only dig it back to the bowler. A precious dot.

FOUR! Much-needed for England! Jasprit Bumrah just errs in line and serves a low full toss, on the pads. Sam Curran flicks it away with excellent timing through square leg for a boundary. 63 needed in 27 balls now.

Goes fuller and on off, Jacob Bethell drills it away through point for just a run.

Full and on middle, angling in, Sam Curran inside edges onto his pads as the ball rolls towards backward point. A single taken.

End of a forgetful night for Varun Chakaravarthy. He has struggled a lot since the Super Eights started. Tighten up your seatbelts. Last 5 overs coming up. England need 69 runs. Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-19-1) returns into the attack. His last two overs are going to be massively precious for the Men in Blue. And if England manage to get big overs against him, it will get more spicy towards the end.

Another short delivery, around off, Sam Curran stabs it out to long off for one. Varun Chakaravarthy finishes his spell with figures of 4-0-64-1. Tough outing for him!

FOUR! Finds the gap! Varun Chakaravarthy bowls this with the seam up, short and on middle. Sam Curran rocks back and heaves it away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for another boundary.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Sam Curran knocks it back to the bowler.

And again! Quicker and shorter, outside off, Jacob Bethell cuts it away to deep backward point for a run.

WIDE! Flatter, short and way outside off, Jacob Bethell leaves it alone. Called a wide.

FOUR! Powered away! Dragged back and on off. Jacob Bethell hangs back and thumps it past the bowler, to the left of long off for a boundary. Bethell keeps fighting on here.

Floated, short and outside off, Jacob Bethell looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge wide of deep third for a couple of runs.

DRINKS BREAK. Well, if you want to know how much that wicket of Jacks means to the Men in Blue, almost every Indian player has rushed in to celebrate with Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. That 77-run partnership off 39 balls had just begun to stir a few nerves in the Indian camp, but with it now broken, the crowd has found its voice once again. But credit where it is due. Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell produced one of the most blistering and fighting partnerships in a mammoth run chase to keep their final hopes well and truly alive. Bethell is still fighting, and it is still not done yet as long as he is out there. Sam Curran walks in at number 7. Varun Chakaravarthy (3-0-51-1) to bowl out.

OUT! TAKEN SUPERBLY IN THE DEEP! It is Axar Patel once again with a stunning effort, and that breaks this threatening stand. Arshdeep Singh tries for the wide yorker once again, but delivers a low full toss, outside off. Will Jacks throws his bat at it and ends up slicing it wide of sweeper cover. Axar runs a long way to his left, extends his arms and grabs it while in motion. He realises that the momentum will take him over the ropes, so he flicks the ball to Shivam Dube, who came in from deep point to help his mate out. Excellent relay catch and this could just be another turning point in this game. England are 172/5, needing 82 runs in 36 balls.

WIDE! That's third wide in a row. Arshdeep Singh once again fires a yorker, but this time as well it goes beyond the tramline. Jacks leaves it alone.

WIDE! Singh attempts another wide yorker, but he bowls it just outside the tramline. He is unhappy with the verdict of the umpire.

WIDE! Miles outside off, beyond the tramline. Jacks lets it be. Wide called.

Full toss, outside off, Jacob Bethell lashes it to cover point and gets a single.

Low full toss, around middle and leg, Jacob Bethell slams it to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder and gets a couple of runs.

That's an excellent delivery from Singh! He offers width on this one, but delivers a yorker. Jacob Bethell makes room to the leg side and ends up leaving it as the ball is out of his reach but well inside the tramline.

Arshdeep Singh sees the batter making room to the leg side, he follows the batter and bowls it down the leg side, aiming at the pads. Jacob Bethell flicks it to wide deep mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs.

FOUR! Clever batting! Slower short ball, halfway down the pitch. Bethell backs away, slices the uppercut over short third for a boundary.

It is going neck and neck at the moment. After 13 overs, England are 159/4. At the same stage, India were 160/2. Arshdeep Singh returns to the attack. His figures so far are 2-0-23-0.

Pitches it up, fuller, does Patel, on off, Jacob Bethell heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single. England need 94 runs off 42 deliveries.

Fuller, angling across the off stump, Jacob Bethell drills it to the right of long off and gets a brace.

A tad shorter, outside off, Will Jacks attempts to slap it away, but gets an inside edge. The ball bounces off to short third and the batter gets a single.

MISFIELD, FOUR! That's the last thing India want right now. Flat, quick, short, outside off. Jacks leans forward and smashes it to the left of the cover fielder. Suryakumar Yadav fumbles to collect it and lets it through as the ball races away to the fence behind. England need 98 runs from 45 balls.

SIX! That has gone many a mile! Axar drops it short and drifts it on the leg stump. Will Jacks rocks back quickly and pulls it aerially behind deep square leg for a mammoth six.

Full, around off, Jacob Bethell nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.

SIX! That will bring up the fifty partnership between these two batters, off 27 balls. This has been tossed up, fuller, around the pads of the batter. Will Jacks just loads his arms and unleashes his slog to sail the delivery over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. 109 needed off 48 balls.

Googly on the fuller side, outside off, Jacob Bethell bends toward the delivery and opens the face of the bat to the left of short third to get across.

Chakaravarthy drags his length back, outside off, Will Jacks cuts it to deep cover and gets an easy single.

Slanting across the stumps, much fuller. Jacob Bethell punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

FOUR! Innovative and effective. Varun Chakaravarthy has been put to the sword. A googly on a length, on off, Jacob reverse scoops it over the short third for a boundary.

Short and outside off, Will Jacks gets on his back foot and slaps it to deep cover to get a comfortable single.

Bumrah aiming for the yorker, outside off, but spills out a low full toss. Bethell strides out and drives it straight to the cover fielder. 12 from the over.

FOUR! Good shot! Bumrah goes pace off and into the pitch, on the bodyline. Jacob reads the variation and pulls it towards the deep square leg gap for a boundary.

Right into the blockhole, on off. Jacob Bethell jams it to covers.

FIFTY FOR JACOB BETHELL! Off just 19 balls. It has been a wonderful knock from him so far. He adds his name to the growing list of batters who have raced to half-centuries at this pace in this T20 World Cup. An in-dipping full ball from Bumrah, on middle, Bethell carves it across to the mid-wicket region and they rush back for the second run.

Back of a length, wide outside off, Will Jacks looks to cut it through covers, but connects the inner half of the bat. The ball bounces over the bowler and rolls to mid off. Single taken.

FOUR! Neatly played! Full and speared outisde off, Will Jacks carves it powerfully through cover-point for a cracking boundary.

WIDE! Jasprit Bumrah fires a bouncer, angling in, over leg. Will Jacks looks to pull it away, but the ball evades the top edge.

Halfway reached. England are 119/4, and India were at the same score, but had lost only 2 wickets. They need 135 more from 60 balls. And here comes Jasprit Bumrah (1-0-7-1) back into the attack, replacing Varun Chakaravarthy.

Arm ball, too full and on off, Jacks drills it down to long off for a single. A top-class over from Axar, only 6 runs from it.

A length ball, drifting in and around off. Jacks stands tall and knocks it to cover.

Pitches it fuller and flatter, on leg, angling in, Will Jacks looks to whip it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards the cover-point region. Appeal for LBW, but the umpire remains unmoved and so do the fielders. The batter gets two leg byes. Clearly going down the leg side, this one.

Tight single! Short and around off, Jacob Bethell punches it towards cover-point and sets off for the run. Hardik Pandya collects it on the bounce and fires in a throw at the bowler's end, where Axar Patel is a bit too much behind the stumps. He collects and throws it at the stumps but misses, and by then Bethell makes his ground. A direct hit was needed there.

WIDE! Slides it away from the left-hander, Jacob Bethell extends his hands but fails to reach it. Wided by the umpire.

Slower through the air, fuller around off, Will Jacks pushes it to deep point for a single.

A touch shorter, pitching on middle and angling down the leg side, Will Jacks looks to heave it with the angle of the ball, but gets beaten on the under edge and wears on his thigh pad.

Short of a length, on the stumps, Will Jacks slaps it to long off for a single. 14 from the over, 141 needed off 66 balls.

FOUR! Powerfully struck! Not that short, on middle and leg, Will Jacks picks the variation, gets the ball at a good height and pulls it off the back foot to deep square leg for a boundary.

A touch fuller, outside off, Will Jacks looks to lash it over covers but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short, on middle, Jacob Bethell pats it to long on for a single.

FOUR! Nicely played! Varun Chakaravarthy switches around the wicket now and bowls a quicker short delivery, on off. Jacob Bethell rocks back and thumps it over extra cover for another boundary. This lad can pack a punch and won't go down without a fight.

FOUR! 100 up for England! Varun starts off with a short-length delivery, around off and middle. Jacob Bethell hammers it past the deep mid-wicket fielder for four runs.

Spin from both ends as Varun Chakaravarthy is back on.

FOUR! Excellent shot from Jacks, and he gets off the mark with this boundary. On middle, angling in, a tad fuller. Jacks heaves it freely, over mid-wicket for four runs. 16 from the over and England continue to go for runs, despite losing wickets. That's the only way, to be honest.

Patel drags his length back and offers an arm ball, angling it down the leg side. Jacks looks for a reverse-batted shot, but gets beaten on the under edge and it thumps on his thigh pad.

Flatter and fuller, with a bit more pace, on middle, Will Jacks hangs back and flicks it to square leg.

Another one bites the dust. Will Jacks is in at number 6, ahead of Sam Curran, perhaps to maintain the right-left combination.

OUT! TIMBER! Axar Patel strikes back and roars in celebration. He delivers the arm ball, but just slows it up. This is pitched up, on middle, angling in a bit. Tom Banton goes down on one knee to target the mid-wicket region with the slog sweep, but plays all over it, losing his shape. The ball goes through and rattles the stumps behind. Six, six and out for Banton, and England are 95/4, chasing 254 runs.

SIX! Back-to-back sixes from Banton! Patel pitches it fuller once again, on off and middle. Tom Banton charges down the deck this time to get to the pitched area of the delivery and launches it over long on for a huge six.

SIX! Tom Banton is not backing down. Axar Patel delivers it just outside off and fuller. Tom Banton plays inside-out with proper connection, over the sweeper cover fence for half a dozen.

Fuller, on off, Jacob Bethell steers it through point for a couple of runs. 15 from the over!

FOUR! More runs from Jacob Bethell. Pitches it up, does Pandya, angling it just away from the off pole. Jacob Bethell reverse ramps it over short third for four more runs.

SIX! BOOM! Pandya rolls his fingers over the ball to take the pace off, pitching it on a good length, around middle. Bethell opens his stance and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

WIDE! Bangs a bouncer, over middle. Bethell gets on his back foot and looks to pull, but the ball climbs big on him and sails well over his helmet.

Hard-length delivery, just inside of the tramline. Tom Banton frees his arms but ends up punching it with a cross-bat from the inner half to the right of cover-point. Single taken.

Again on a good length, around off, Jacob Bethell gets on his front foot and dabs it to the front of the mid off fielder and gets a quick single.

Hardik Pandya comes back into the attack and sprints from over the stumps. He delivers it on a good length, angling it away. Jacob Bethell looks to reverse sweep it over point, but misses the connection.

FOUR! That's some way to get off the mark. Quicker full ball, just outside off. Tom Banton gets down on his knee and reverse sweeps it over backward point for a boundary. 23 runs and a wicket from Chakaravarthy's first over. England are 68/3 after the Powerplay.

DRINKS! With that wicket of Jos Buttler, England have slipped further down. They are scoring at a good rate, but losing 3 wickets inside the Powerplay will hurt them. However, they are approaching this chase with the right mindset, but at least one of the batters needs to play a big knock for them. For India, they need to keep chipping away at the wickets, and with the field restrictions lifted after this over, they will look to maintain the pressure on the batters and make them take the risks. Also, Tom Banton is the next batter in.

OUT! BOWLED! Varun Chakaravarthy is a relieved man after going for 19 runs in the over so far. Lands the googly in the perfect spot, in front of middle and gets it to turn back into the batter on a fuller length. Jos Buttler stays put in the crease, but fails to read the wrong 'un. Tries to inflict more misery on Varun, heaves it across the line, but plays all over it and hears the death rattle behind him. Buttler's poor form continues in this World Cup. England are 64/3. They need 190 more runs from 85 balls.

Full, a googly around off, Bethell drives it off the front foot to long off for a single.

SIX! Hat trick of sixes from Bethell! Flat and full, around off. Bethell switches his stance and nails the reverse sweep over deep backward point for a huge six.

SIX! Two in two for Bethell and Varun Chakaravarthy is put under pressure straightaway! A fuller ball aimed at the stumps. The southpaw backs away towards the leg side and lofts it cleanly over long off. It sails 87 metres into the stands.

SIX! Welcome to the attack, mate! Varun bowls a short ball, on middle and leg. Jacob reads the length early and swats it behind long on for a cracking six.

Double change. Time for some spin now as Varun Chakaravarthy replaces Hardik Pandya.

Leading edge, but safe! Back of a length, slanting into the batter, Jacob Bethell pushes the bat in front to work it off side, but gets a thick leading edge as the ball goes on a couple of bounces to deep third for a single.

It is the off cutter as Bumrah rolls the fingers across the seam to take the pace off. Short and over middle. Bethell is early into the pull shot and is deceived completely.

Slows it up, on the pads. Bethell misses to flick and wears on the front pad.

SIX! Up and over! A rare loosener from Bumrah. Short, on leg. Jacob uses the pace and helps it aerially behind deep fine leg for a six.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Bethell plays off the back foot and punches it to cover.

England lose their skipper now. Jacob Bethell comes out to the middle.

OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND GONE! That is one of the most magnificent catches you will see in a knockout game. Axar Patel has pulled off a screamer here. Bumrah starts with a slower one, full and around the off stump. Brook backs away slightly to loft it over extra cover, but goes through his shot very early. One hand comes off the handle as the ball sails up in the night sky towards deep cover-point. Axar Patel, from the inner ring, backtracks and covers a lot of ground while keeping his eyes locked on the ball. He gathers the catch with both hands and tumbles on the ground, but maintains possession of the ball in his hands. England are 38/2 as Bumrah strikes first ball. This marks the exit of England's most dangerous batter, Harry Brook.

First bowling change? Yes, Jasprit Bumrah comes into the attack now.

SIX! Timed to perfection! Hardik goes short into the pitch, outside off, Buttler stands tall, covers the stumps and clubs it over long off for a six. England need 216 runs from 96 balls.

On a back of a length, outside off, Brook square cuts it to deep point for a single.

Hard length, on the stumps, Brook tries to access the off side, but the ball cuts back in and rolls to mid on from the inner half.

FOUR! That's a quality shot! Short ball that climbs on the batter at shoulder height, over middle. Brook backs away to give himself some room and swats it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Back of a length, around off, Buttler pulls it off the inner half to wide mid-wicket for a single.

On a back of a length, outside off, Brook stands tall and punches it to deep extra cover. Buttler wants the second but Brook sends him back as Tilak Varma is quick to charge in off the ropes to keep it down to a single only.

FOUR! That will make him feel a lot better! Slams the deck hard, does Singh. Around leg, Jos Buttler gets on top of the bounce and bludgeons gun-barrel straight down the ground for a cracking boundary.

Fullish ball, around leg, Buttler lofts it with no real timing, but manages to clear extra cover for a couple of runs. Suryakumar Yadav chases it down from the inner ring and keeps it down to two.

Play and a miss! Buttler tries to hack that length ball across over the leg side, but loses his shape and the ball nips away a bit to beat the inside edge.

Hard length, nipping back into the body, Buttler pulls it straight to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Arshdeep goes for the yorker, but slips in a low full toss that tails back in sharply, on middle. Jos Buttler shovels it hard and drives it straight down the ground, to the right of mid off for a boundary.

Big swing and a miss! Pressure building on Buttler. Moves away off the pitch, on a good length, over off. Buttler charges down to heave it across, only to miss.

A 130.1 kph, this is an away swinger well outside off. Buttler shuffles across the stumps and attempts the scoop over short fine leg but misses it. The ball thuds into the back thigh and trickles in front of backward point, allowing them to sneak a leg bye.

Back of a length, on top of off, Buttler comes charging down the track, tries to pull across the line, but the ball keeps shaping away and beats his bat.

Nagging length, around off, kept out to the off side.

BEATEN! Around off, in that corridor of uncertainty, on a good length. It lands and then straightens up a bit, squaring Buttler up totally. He tries to block but the ball zips past his outside edge.

Spots Brook advancing down the track, Hardik bashes the length hard and gets a sharp inswing on leg. Brook is cramped up for space and can only punch it out to the off side. It's to the right of extra cover and Brook opens his account with a brisk single.

First one down for England. Captain Harry Brook walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Pandya strikes first ball and India have their first breakthrough. He goes full and outside off, with the ball shaping away late. Phil Salt tries to whack it over the leg side, but his feet go nowhere, and he ends up getting a fat leading edge. The ball gets sliced in the air over the cover-point region. Axar Patel backtracks a bit in the inner ring and takes a safe catch. The dangerous Phil Salt is gone and England's opening wicket partnerships continue their underwhelming run in this World Cup. England are 13/1, chasing 254.

Good start from England, and they have to go hard in the Powerplay. Hardik Pandya to share the attack.

Touch short, curving away from middle and is slower in pace. Jos Buttler stays put and bunts it back to the bowler. 13 runs from the first over.

FOUR! That's an absolute toe-crusher from Arshdeep, but it bullets to the fence. A yorker, on leg, shaping back in. Buttler's head falls over while trying to jam it out, and the ball goes between his legs. And before anyone could blink their eyes, the ball has raced to the deep fine leg fence.

Slams the deck hard, on a good length, swinging back in from middle. Jos Buttler hops across to tuck it to the leg side, but inside edges it onto the pads before the ball trickles back to the bowler.

FOUR! Buttler is off the mark in style! Full from Arshdeep, outside off, Buttler gets on top of it, finds the middle, maintains his shape, and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.

Hard length on top of middle, nipping in. Salt tucks it behind to the left of Samson, the wicket-keeper, for a single.

FOUR! Gets that fine and it races away! Just what England needed first up. Back of a length, skidding through on leg. Phil gets across to nudge it around the corner, but inside edges it to deep fine leg for a boundary.

Two byes! From around the wicket, Jacks darts in a yorker, on the leg stump. Varun Chakaravarthy has a free swing at it, but misses to connect. The ball beats the inside edge and nutmegs Varun before rolling past the leg stump, behind the keeper. Jofra Archer from short fine leg chases the ball before the ropes, and by the time he throws it back to Buttler, the batters cross each other twice. So 16 runs from the final over. INDIA FINISH AT 253/7.

Varun Chakaravarthy ​​​​​​to face the final ball of the innings.

OUT! HARDIK PANDYA IS RUN OUT! Very full from Jacks this time around, on the leg stump line. Hardik squeezes it to the deep mid-wicket region and calls for the second straightaway. They run the first one hard and turn back for the second, but in this process, Hardik almost bumps into Axar midpitch, which slows him down a bit. Jacob Bethell mops it up in the deep and throws it to Jos Buttler, who cleanly gathers the ball and breaks the stumps, with Hardik falling short.

SIX! POWERFUL! A juicy half volley from Jacks, around the off stump. Hardik Pandya clears the front leg, gets across a bit and smokes it over long on for a big six. Free-flowing bat swing from Hardik. He moves to 26 off 11 balls. 250 UP FOR INDIA!

Around off, on a fuller length, Hardik drives it to deep cover but turns down the single. The match-up is with Hardik against the off-spinner.

SIX! THWACK! Jacks pushes it across the batter, full and outside off. Hardik Pandya gets a big stride forward, sweetly times it and parks it behind the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen runs.

On a length, outside off, Axar leans back and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Surprise, surprise! Harry Brook has gone with Will Jacks for the last over. Can he keep India under 250 here?

Another yorker, aimed at the sticks, Axar Patel moves outside leg, jams it off the inside edge. The ball rolls near the deck on the leg side and they dash off for a quick run. 20 from the penultimate over.

The next batter is Axar Patel.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! At 149 kph, Archer cannons in a yorker at the stumps. Tilak Varma stays leg side of the ball and tries to crunch it through the off side, but fails to get bat on the ball. It dips below the bat, lands at the base of the off pole and makes an absolute mess of the furniture behind. A quick little cameo from Tilak Varma comes to an end. India are 236/6.

WIDE! A bit too straight down leg, on a fuller length. Varma misses the flick. Wide given.

SIX! Archer has no answer whatsoever to this onslaught against him. He bowls the off-cutter, on a good length, on leg. Tilak Varma stays put and pulls it behind long leg for the third six of the over. England's best has been taken to the cleaners.

SIX! That is an incredible cricketing shot! A searing delivery, but a full toss, on off. Tilak Varma exposes his stumps, gets his bat right underneath it and carves it over deep backward point for a huge six. Sheer brilliance of the batter and Archer is left shaking his head.

Swing and a miss! Archer comes from around the stump. Pushes it into the batter, cramping Varma for room. Tilak lines up for the pull shot, but the ball keeps jagging in and beats the inside edge.

SIX! Archer has been taken to the cleaners tonight! Slams the deck really hard, a real slot ball, on off and middle. Tilak picks the length in a trice, holds his shape and heaves it cleanly behind the deep mid-wicket fence for a cracking six.

Jofra Archer (3-0-41-3) to bowl the penultimate over.

Dishes out that moon ball, full and on middle, Tilak drives it across to widish long on for a single. Sam Curran is done with his spell with figures of 4-0-53-0.

WIDE! Hurls in a slower ball, on a length, but going down leg. Tilak goes for the pull shot, but misses to connect. Wide given.

The physio is in to check in on Tilak Varma. We are good to go again.

That's excellent running between the wickets! This is fuller in length, on middle, Tilak Varma flicks it through square leg. The fielder in the deep charges towards the ball and throws it to the batter's end, but Tilak Varma reaches home before that with a dive. Two runs taken.

Put down! A slower delivery, good length and on middle. Hardik Pandya looks to heave it across the line but loses his bat in the process. The ball takes the top edge and flies towards long on, where Tom Banton is a little bit late to take off. He puts in a dive and tries to scoop it above the ground, but fails to hold on to it. They cross. This could prove to be another costly drop, as we all know what Hardik can do in the death overs.

India lose half their side now. Tilak Varma is the next man in.

OUT! SHIVAM DUBE IS RUN OUT! A real lack of communication between Hardik and Dube there. A yorker on the middle stump line. Pandya is deep in his crease and gets his bat down just in time, jamming it towards short mid-wicket. He takes a couple of steps forward in the follow-through while Dube has already set off and is halfway down the pitch looking for the single. Pandya sends him back, but by then it is too late. Dube has no chance of making it back. Brook has just one stump to aim at and hits it straight on with Dube out by a fair bit. Shivam Dube is very disappointed and lets Hardik know about it. India are 212/5.

England burn one review! Full and tailing into leg stump. Dube stays deep in his crease and looks to flick, but misses it on the inside edge. The ball strikes the outer part of his front pad and trickles behind square on the leg side for a leg bye. There is an appeal for LBW, and England, after some pondering, have gone upstairs for a review. It is a fair delivery with no bat involved on the UltraEdge. Impact is umpire’s call, and the ball is going on to miss the leg stump.

Is that out? Looked close on the naked eye, but the umpire turned down the LBW appeal. Harry Brook takes the review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat is involved, and Ball Tracking shows it is missing the leg stump. England lose a review.

SIX! BELTED AWAY! Curran takes pace off, on a length, on top of off. Shivam Dube stands tall and hammers it over cow corner for a cracking six.

Sam Curran retuns to the attack. He has gone for 42 runs in his 3 overs.

FOUR! Finds the gap again! This is much fuller than the previous ball, but Overton keeps offering width. Hardik stays put and slashes it between backward point and short third for a boundary. 15 runs from Overton's third. His figures read 3-0-36-0 so far.

FOUR! MUSCLED! A loosener from Jamie, good length, outside off. Hardik uses the width on offer and crunches it through extra cover for a cracking boundary. 200 UP FOR INDIA! In 16.5 overs.

Full and wide of off, Dube shovels it to the cover fielder, where Curran gets a bad bounce just ahead of him and fumbles to pick it up cleanly, allowing a single.

Nails the yorker in, Pandya drills this toe-crusher to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nonchalantly played to open his account! Back of a length, outside off, Hardik Pandya arches back a bit, and using the pace, he plays the no-look ramp shot well wide of short third for a boundary.

Full and outside off, Dube carves it to deep point for a single.

Jamie Overton replaces Sam Curran.

Tosses up a googly, full and on middle. Pandya leans on and eases it to short mid-wicket. A wicket and 13 runs from the over. Adil Rashid wraps his spell with figures of 4-0-41-2.

Very slow, on a fractionally fuller length, grips away from off. Hardik gets forward and bunts it back to the bowler.

A timely wicket for England. That brings Hardik Pandya out to the middle now.

OUT! STUMPED! Wicket number 2 for Adil Rashid. He dishes out a deceptive googly, full and just outside the off stump line. Suryakumar Yadav walks forward and tries to sweep that to the leg side, but fails to read the wrong 'un off the bowler's hand. Plays all over the wrong line, and yorks himself up a bit, as he gets beaten on the inside edge. Jos Buttler collects the ball cleanly behind the stumps and is lightning quick to whip the bails off with SKY clearly out of the crease. A brilliant piece of glovework by Buttler. India are 190/4.

SIX! Trademark SKY! Slower through the air, full and on the leg stump. Suryakumar Yadav gets a big stride out, sits down on his knee and nails the slog sweep just over Will Jacks at deep backward square leg for six more.

Quicker, on a length, on the pads, Dube tucks it off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single.

SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Adil pushes it wide outside the off pole, full in length. Shivam Dube gets down on his knee, brings his long levers to play and pumps it massively over long off for an 82-meter six.

Final five overs coming up now. India are 177/3, and with a lot of firepower left in the tank, they will be aiming well over 230 runs. The only way England can shake things up is by picking up wickets. Adil Rashid (3-0-28-1) ​​​​​​to bowl out now.

Wide on a length, Dube punches it through mid off for a single. 10 from the over. Sam Curran's figures read 3-0-42-0 so far.

FOUR! Admonished! Curran goes slow and full, outside off. Shivam waits for the moon ball to come to him, and ruthlessly blasts it over the bowler's head for a boundary down the ground.

WIDE! Pushes it far outside off, beyond the tramline. Dube ignores. Wide given.

At pace and a well-directed short ball, on top of middle. Shivam Dube is rushed onto the back foot, tries to pull, but gets a bit late. Misses to connect as the ball fizzes through to the keeper.

The moon ball, full and on the leg stump. Suryakumar Yadav whips it to deep mid-wicket's left for an easy single.

Slowish ball, short and outside off, Dube climbs on it and slaps that to deep extra cover for a single.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, on middle and leg, 128.8 kph. Dube stands tall and heaves it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Jacob Bethell rushes to his right from the latter position, but fails to pick it up cleanly. Two taken.

Sam Curran (2-0-32-0) comes back into the attack now.

Full-length delivery, on off, Shivam Dube fends it to point and gets across for a single. 2/26 from Will Jacks in his 3 overs. He continues to impress.

WIDE! Short and wide outside off, beyond the tramline. Shivam Dube goes deep into the crease, hoping to cut it, but ends up leaving it.

A touch shorter, around middle and off. Suryakumar Yadav gets on his front foot and drives it gently to long off to take a single.

Short, outside off, Dube pushes it through covers for one run.

On a length, on middle and leg, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Excellent work in the deep! Jacks pitches it fuller, on the stumps. Suryakumar Yadav flicks it uppishly to deep mid-wicket, but well into the gap. However, the deep mid-wicket fielder does well to move to his left and flicks it to the converging long on fielder who is there to gather the ball. Two runs taken.

DRINKS. A sigh of relief for England as they finally get rid of Sanju Samson, who was going all guns blazing. However, being dropped on 15 by Brook, he went on to play a magnificent knock for his side, which has hurt England a lot. India are inching towards 200 and have a fair bit of batting left in the tank as well, so they would want to continue with the same intensity. England, on the other hand, will look to pick a couple of quick wickets to halt the momentum to some extent. In walks Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! An inspired bowling change and Will Jacks gets the much-needed wicket for England. He tosses it up, full, but keeps it well outside off, staying away from the hitting arc. Sanju Samson tries to reach out for it and go big over deep cover, but fails to get the power on the shot. It flies in the air and straight towards the fielder, where Phil Salt settles under it and takes a good catch. A selfless shot from Samson, and he departs for a fantastic 89 off 42. Goes out to a hero's ovation and India are 160/3 now.

Will Jacks is back on. 2-0-19-1 are his bowling figures so far.

Another slower delivery, full and on off, Sanju Samson forces it down to long off for one. Archer continues to prove expensive.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Hard-length delivery, on off. Sanju Samson picks up the length early, hangs back and swats it over the long off fence for another biggie.

WIDE! Slower again and fuller, but down the leg side, Sanju Samson misses his flick.

SIX! A slower delivery from Archer, but he failed to disguise it. He rolls his fingers over the ball to take the pace off and bowls a shorter one. Sanju Samson gets on his back foot and upper cuts it over the backward point region for six runs.

A tidy start from Jofra Archer so far! Only a single in the first three balls. He bowls it on leg, Shivam Dube mistimes his push towards the left of the bowler. The ball bounces off to long on and the batter gets the single.

Fullish, on leg, Shivam Dube rolls his wrists and flicks it to short mid-wicket once again.

Archer starts with banging hard on the length, around the thigh pad of the batter, Shivam Dube flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Jofra Archer is back on. He has conceded 26 runs in his first 2 overs.

Flat and quicker, fullish, outside off, Dube stabs it to deep cover for a single.

SIX! This is humongous. Adil Rashid drags his length back a bit, on middle and offering a googly. Shivam Dube crouches down on one knee and muscles it over deep mid-wicket for six more runs.

A tad fuller, on off, Sanju Samson, without any footwork, pushes it to mid off for a single.

Loopy and fuller, around the pads, Shivam Dube rolls his wrists and flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Flat and quicker, a touch fuller, outside off, Dube pushes it to cover.

SIX! The intent to hit big is pretty much clear from the Indian batters. Adil Rashid delivers it flat and fuller, on middle and off. Shivam Dube clears his front foot and dispatches it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen.

On off, pitches it up, does Overton, angling away. Shivam Dube pushes it to deep cover and gets an easy single.

WIDE! A bumper now from Overton, on middle, but Dube just drops his stance as the delivery sails way over the batter.

Hard-length delivery, on off, Shivam Dube rocks back and fends it to cover.

Overton pushes his length fuller, on middle, Sanju Samson drives it to long on for a single.

Back of a length, angling across, Shivam Dube dabs it late to deep third for a single.

Overpitched, on middle, Sanju Samson squeezes it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! OUT OF THE PARK! Jamie Overton pitches it fuller, around off, Sanju Samson lifts his blade back and lofts it over the long off region for a six. Not an ideal length with the fielder inside the inner circle.

Halfway reached. India are cruising nicely here with 119/2 on the board. Jamie Overton (1-0-10-0) returns to the attack, replacing Sam Curran.

A good over from Adil Rashid! Much fuller, outside off, Sanju Samson eases it to long off for a single. So a wicket and 7 runs off it.

Full, on off, Sanju Samson defends it to cover.

Outside off, tosses it fuller, Shivam Dube gets down on one knee and sweeps it uppishly, with an intent to take on the bowler, but fails to connect from the middle. The ball loops and bounces toward the right of deep mid-wicket. Single taken.

Out goes Ishan Kishan and in walks Shivam Dube at number 4. He has been promoted over Suryakumar Yadav. Maybe India are keeping up with the left-hand, right-hand combination.

OUT! CAUGHT! England needed that desperately. This is the front-of-the-hand leg break, pushed wide outside off and on a fuller length. Ishan Kishan shimmies down the track and tries to pump it downtown, but loses his shape while trying to hit it too hard. He fails to get under the ball and goes through the shot, slicing it off the toe end towards long off. Will Jacks dashes in off the ropes, settles under it and completes the catch. Adil Rashid breaks the 97-run partnership, off 45 balls and India are 117/2.

FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! This is a touch fuller, on off. Ishan Kishan charges down the track and drills it towards the right of the long on fielder. It's Jamie Overton, who dives to his right and parries it, but Will Jacks from long off has no chance of stopping it.

Adil Rashid starts off with a fuller one, around the pads of the batter. Sanju Samson clips it through square leg and gets an easy single.

Short of a length, just outside off, Sanju Samson punches it to long off for one run. 20 runs from the over.

19 runs from the over so far, with a ball to go.

WIDE! On a good length, but way outside off, Sanju Samson shoulders arms the delivery and gets a bonus run.

FOUR! Hot knife, through butter! Sam Curran bowls on a good length, angling it away. Sanju Samson frees his arms and cuts it into the gap between point and extra cover for four runs.

SIX! JUST OVER! Short and slow by Curran, on the leg stump line. Sanju Samson waits and waits and waits for it to arrive before he nails the pull shot towards deep square leg. Will Jacks is there stationed in the deep, and leaps, but the ball sails over him for half a dozen more.

Good-length delivery, on the stumps, Ishan Kishan pushes it through cover-point and gets across for one run. 100 up for India. In just 8.3 overs.

SIX! This is exceptional batting from Ishan Kishan. Sam Curran pitches it up, around off. Kishan loads his arms and unleashes a powerful flick shot and makes sure the ball sails over the deep mid-wicket region for a massive biggie.

Sam Curran starts off with a fuller delivery, on middle, Sanju Samson eases it to long off for a single.

Brook is ringing in the changes as he searches for a breakthrough. Sam Curran (1-0-12-0) replaces Adil Rashid.

SIX! That has gone all the way! An expensive first over from Liam Dawson. He delivers it right into the slot, on off, trying to angle it away, but Ishan Kishan covers the stumps, drops on one knee and slog sweeps it from the middle of the willow over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. 19 runs from Dawson's first.

Pitches it up, does Dawson, on leg, Sanju Samson rolls his wrists and flicks it to the left of short fine leg for a single.

SIX! FIFTY FOR SANJU SAMSON! His redemption arc continues. He gets to his milestone in just 26 balls. Tossed up, wide outside the off stump. Sanju Samson gets a good stride forward, gets under the ball and pumps it neatly over the long off fence for a six. Free-flowing bat swing from him. He raises his bat to acknowledge the huge round of applause for him from the crowd and his fellow teammates. Back-to-back half centuries for Samson, and he has provided a fantastic platform for India.

Short, outside off, slapped off the back foot to long off for a single.

Low full toss, on off, Kishan clips it to the right of Sam Curran in the deep mid-wicket region and gets a couple of runs.

A tad fuller, sliding it away from the left-hander. Ishan Kishan shuffles across the stumps and slaps it to the right of the long off fielder, where Will Jacks fumbles a bit and the batter gets a couple of runs.

WIDE! Not a great start from Liam Dawson. A touch shorter and angling it away, beyond the tramline. Ishan Kishan makes a leave at it.

Spin in tandem now as Liam Dawson replaces Sam Curran.

Much fuller, way outside the off pole. Sanju Samson swings his arms to punch it away through cover, but gets the inside edge, and the ball bounces back to the bowler. A tidy start from Adil despite going for a boundary on the first ball.

Flatter this time and fuller, on middle, Sanju Samson presses forward and brings out his formidable defence.

Short, on middle and off, Ishan Kishan pulls it to deep mid-wicket and gets a comfortable single.

Overpitched, just outside off, Sanju Samson drills it to long off to rotate the strike.

Pushes fuller once again, on off, turning away. Sanju Samson eases it to cover.

FOUR! Samson gives Adil Rashid a warm greeting! The leggie bowls it fuller, with a bit of flight, just outside off. Sanju Samson gets on his front foot and drives hard through cover for four runs. This also brings up the 50-run partnership between Samson and Kishan.

DRINKS BREAK! This looks like a haven for the batters as runs have flown like water so far. But to be fair, England haven't been consistent with their lines and lengths and have offered a bit too many loose balls to which the Indians have cashed in. Barring one over, every other went in double digits, which proves the lack of control. Sanju Samson has been excellent so far, but he was dropped by Brook, and every run he scores will hurt England and their skipper a lot. They need a wicket to slow things down. And as the field spreads, Brook turns to his trump card - Adil Rashid. He replaces Jamie Overton.

Short of a length and on middle, Sanju Samson pulls it to deep square leg for one more. India are 67/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Hard length and on off, Ishan Kishan opens up his body and heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Tries the bouncer, but it is too high for the batter, Ishan Kishan ducks under it. Called a wide.

Back of a length and outside off, Sanju Samson cuts it away to deep backward point for one. He moves to 40 off just 19 balls.

FOUR! Playing with the field now! Good length and around off, pace on this time. Sanju Samson lets it come to him, opens the face of his bat and guides it between short third and backward point for another boundary.

FOUR! Up and over! A slower one, full and on middle. Sanju Samson reads it well, holds his backlift for a split second and lifts it over mid on for a boundary.

Play and a miss! Fuller and around off, going across the right-hander, Sanju Samson looks to go for the big booming drive but misses as the ball nips away.

Change? Yup. Sam Curran replaces Will Jacks and will bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Sharp bowling! Jamie Overton ends the over with a quick bouncer, on middle. Ishan Kishan gets surprised by it and just about sways away from it. 10 from Overton's first over.

In the blockhole, on middle, Ishan Kishan bunts it out towards mid off.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! A half-volley around off, begging to be hit. Ishan Kishan obliges, extends his arms and creams it through covers for another boundary. Geez, that has been drilled and has traveled like a tracer bullet.

FOUR! 50 UP FOR INDIA! In just 4.3 overs. Full again but on the pads. Ishan Kishan brings his wrists into play and whips it away to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Much fuller and on middle, Sanju Samson drills it hard and wide of mid off. Will Jacks dives to his right to make the stop. They cross.

Good length and around off, Ishan Kishan runs it down to deep third for a single.

The first change in bowling from England. Here's Jamie Overton into the attack, replacing Jofra Archer.

Quicker one, short and on off, Sanju Samson stabs it wide of extra cover. Phil Salt dives to his right to make a fine one-handed stop.

Slows it up, full and on off, Ishan Kishan eases it down to long off for one.

FOUR! Ishan Kishan joins the party! Flighted, shortish and on middle. Ishan Kishan gets low, waits for it and rolls his wrists to sweep it through backward square leg for his first boundary.

Short again, on middle, Sanju Samson nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! Top shot! Flatter and shorter, outside off. Sanju Samson gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through cover-point for another boundary.

Floated, full and on leg, Ishan Kishan clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Sanju Samson has won the battle against Jofra Archer so far. But that could have been a completely different story had Brook held on to that catch. India are off to a flier here and it just shows it is a good batting track. Will Jacks (1-0-8-1) to continue from this end.

FOUR! Excellent placement! Jofra Archer bowls a wide yorker, outside off. Sanju Samson plays it late. He opens the face of the bat and squeezes it between short third and backward point for four more runs. Archer has gone for 26 runs in his first 2 overs.

Goes fuller but down the leg side, Sanju Samson fails to glance it away as the ball brushes the pads on the way to the keeper.

SIX! Salt to the wounds! Jofra Archer rolls his fingers to take pace off, lands this short of a length, on middle and leg. Sanju Samson picks the bones out of it and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a massive six.

Pitched up and on middle, Sanju Samson knocks it to mid on.

DROPPED! Harry Brook has spilled a sitter here. Fuller and on off, Sanju Samson tries to loft it but gets it from the inner half of the bat. It flies straight to mid on, where Brook tries to reverse cup in front of his face but cannot hold on to it. Harry Brook is down on his knees in extreme disappointment. Could be a huge moment in this game.

FOUR! Fine shot! Back of a length and on off, not that short to trouble the batter. Sanju Samson gets on top of the bounce and pulls it over mid-wicket for another boundary.

England have their first breakthrough and what a tournament Will Jacks is having! Abhishek Sharma's lean run continues in this World Cup. In walks Ishan Kishan at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! The crowd in Mumbai has gone silent here. Will Jacks gives this one some more air, full and on middle, drifting on the leg stump line. Abhishek Sharma once again comes down the track and looks to whip it aerially on the leg side, but just gets a bit cramped up to free his hands fully. He is looking to hit it much squarer but ends up mistiming the shot towards deep mid-wicket, where Phil Salt comes forward a bit and takes an easy catch. India are 20/1.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Floated and on leg. Abhishek Sharma skips down the track, converts it into a full toss and lofts it cleanly over mid off for another boundary.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Abhishek Sharma backs away and drives it firmly but straight to cover.

Drags his length back a bit, on middle, Abhishek Sharma scuffs his heave towards mid on.

Slows it up, full and around leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to tuck it away but gets hit on the pads as the ball lobs up to the off side.

FOUR! Abhishek Sharma gets going now! Will Jacks begins with a flatter delivery, short as well and on middle. Abhishek makes a bit of room and cuts it away beautifully through point for a boundary.

A profitable start for India. And England have deployed spin from the other end already. Will Jacks to share the attack.

On a length and on off, Abhishek Sharma opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a run and gets off the mark. 12 runs off the first over!

Much fuller and on off, Sanju Samson drives it wide of cover, where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop. Samson scampers across for a quick single.

SIX! BANG! You cannot bowl there. Jofra Archer bangs this into the pitch but angles it down the leg side. Sanju Samson goes deep in the crease, just uses the pace of the ball and helps it on its way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! India and Sanju Samson are underway now! Short of a length this time and on off. Samson picks up the length very early, hangs back and flat-bats it over mid on for the first boundary of this semi-final.

BEATEN! Archer goes a touch fuller and outside off, gets it to jag back in a bit. Sanju Samson slashes at it but the ball zips past the inside edge.

Jofra Archer starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, on off. Sanju Samson stays back and steers it away to short third.

Right. God Save The King and Jana Gana Mana are proudly sung/chanted. We are done with all the pre-match rituals, and it is time to get down to real business in the City of Dreams. It is the sea of blue at the Wankhede Stadium with a few spots of red sprinkled here and there. Needless to say, the atmosphere is electric, as cricket is adored in this part of the world. The English players spread out to the field and take their respective positions. Now, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, the two Indian openers, make their way to the crease. Jofra Archer will bowl the first over. And boy, oh boy! It will be Archer vs Samson first up with a slip in place. The nerves will be jangling in both camps and it is about who holds them up in crunch moments. 'Let's play, gentlemen!' Says the umpire, and here we go!

The giant flags of both countries are unfurled in the center as it is now time for the national anthem. Always a grand visual, this. The brand ambassador of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026, Rohit Sharma, hands over the new ball to one of the two umpires as the match officials walk out. Now, both sets of players make their way out to the middle and get lined up. It will be England's national anthem first, followed by that of India's.

We have tightened the screws - The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, says that they wanted to bat first anyway, so he is happy with the toss outcome. Adds that it's a semifinal and putting runs on the board in a big game is always good. SKY mentions that there is some wind around and he does not expect dew to play a big factor later on. He says that after the hiccup against South Africa, they have tightened their screws and the mood in the camp is really positive. Tells that whatever he has asked, the guys have turned up nicely and the brand of cricket has been completely different. Yadav reckons that this is the best surface so far and credits the curators for doing a fine job. Informs that they are going with the same team.

Hope we can quieten the home crowd - The captain of England, Harry Brook, notes that it looks like a good wicket and hopes the team can make a strong start with the ball. On whether playing here earlier in the tournament helps, Brook believes it does to some extent. However, he admits that India have far more experience in these conditions. Stresses that they will try and assess the conditions and play their best game. Speaking about whether the team is peaking at the right time, Brook says he hopes that is the case but admits T20 cricket can be very unpredictable. He points out that the way England have played in the competition, especially the tight games they have managed to scrape through, could help them in good stead for this match. Brook also says the team is looking forward to the contest and expects India to have massive crowd support. He hopes England can quieten the crowd with their performance. In terms of team news, he confirms that Jamie Overton comes into the XI in place of Rehan Ahmed.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

England (Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton (In place of Rehan Ahmed), Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

TOSS - It's toss time in Mumbai! Both captains walk out to the middle after exchanging the team sheets. Suryakumar Yadav gives it a flip. Harry Brook calls correctly and ENGLAND ELECT TO BOWL FIRST!

A quick chat - Tom Banton describes the semifinal as the biggest game he has been part of in his career so far. He says it has been a fantastic tournament for the team and reaching this stage feels amazing. While he calls it just another game in many ways, he also acknowledges that it carries a different weight because it is a World Cup knockout match. Speaking about Varun Chakaravarthy, Banton recalls facing him in the nets during the IPL in 2020. He reflects on the spinner’s journey over the last three to four years and points out that Chakaravarthy is currently ranked the number one T20 bowler in the world. On preparing to face Jasprit Bumrah, Banton says the approach remains similar to facing any other bowler. He emphasizes relying on natural instincts, noting that T20 cricket is a high-risk format. His aim is to put Bumrah under pressure early and hope it works in his favour. Banton also expresses hope that England are peaking at the right time in the tournament. He admits that it has been discussed a lot within the team, but stresses that winning remains the most important thing. According to him, if England play the perfect game tonight and again on Sunday, there could be happy days ahead. Reflecting on the importance of close contests, Banton says such experiences are huge for the team. He admits he has not played as many games as he would have liked, but believes each match brings a fresh opportunity. He hopes someone in the side steps up with a big performance and adds that he would love it to be him. He also notes that the surface appears to have a little extra bounce, which could potentially suit England.

PITCH REPORT - Nasser Hussain shares that the conditions feel slightly warmer than during the group stage matches played at the venue. Says a gentle breeze is flowing across the ground, adding to the atmosphere inside what he describes as a wonderful amphitheatre in Mumbai. Informs that the match is being played on pitch number seven, positioned right in the middle of the square. About the dimensions, he mentions that the boundaries are evenly set at 65 metres on both sides, while the straight boundary stretches to 75 metres. Ian Bishop joins him and notes that to counter the possibility of dew later in the evening, an anti-dew repellent has been applied to the ground, which should help maintain a fair balance between the two teams. Speaking about the surface itself, Bishop explains that historically this pitch has produced more turn than any other strip on the square, with readings of around 2.3 degrees of spin. However, he says, this particular wicket appears slightly harder than usual. Adds it has been cross-rolled and carries a bit more grass than typically seen here, which suggests the ball could come on nicely to the bat.

Pitch, pressure and a place in the final - With two explosive batting line-ups and a venue known for big scores, all signs point towards a thrilling knockout clash. One interesting subplot, however, is England's adjustment to conditions. They played all their Super 8 matches in Sri Lanka, where the pitches were noticeably slower and spin-friendly, but Wankhede offers a much truer surface that suits their aggressive batting style. If England can adapt quickly to the pace and bounce on offer here, they have the firepower to put India under serious pressure. With history evenly poised between the sides in the World Cup semi-finals, another gripping chapter could well unfold under the Mumbai lights. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

England's all-round arsenal - England, meanwhile, have looked increasingly formidable as the tournament has progressed. Jos Buttler and Phil Salt haven't quite hit their usual heights yet, but Buttler enjoys facing India - his 644 runs against them in T20Is are the most by any opposition batter. Harry Brook's historic century against Pakistan highlighted their batting depth, while Will Jacks has quietly emerged as one of their most valuable players, already collecting four Player-of-the-Match awards in this edition. England's bowling unit has arguably been the most threatening in the competition, striking at 14.6, the best among all teams in this World Cup. Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson have all touched the 10-wicket mark, making England one of only two teams in the tournament with three bowlers in double digits.

Hosts eye final push - India arrive here after a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies where Sanju Samson produced a breathtaking 97* - the highest individual score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup chase to power them into the last four. Their batting continues to revolve around the explosive Ishan Kishan and the consistency of Shivam Dube through the middle overs, while Suryakumar Yadav's presence at Wankhede adds another dimension. He boasts the best strike rate at this venue in T20s (minimum 500 runs) and also the highest strike rate against England in T20Is (minimum 300 runs). With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh have been equally lethal and now share the record for the most wickets for India in Men's T20 World Cups. However, India's spin attack has struggled since the Super 8s began, managing just four wickets, which could open the door for Kuldeep Yadav if the hosts look to refresh their options.

Wankhede awaits a semi-final classic - The second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup promises fireworks as India take on England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium with a place in the final against New Zealand on the line. Hello and welcome to our build-up for what promises to be a cracking contest in Mumbai. Interestingly, this is the third consecutive time these two sides are meeting in a T20 World Cup semi-final, with both teams winning one each in the previous encounters. Wankhede's reputation for big scores only adds to the intrigue, with short boundaries and true bounce often encouraging batters to take the aggressive route, setting the stage for a high-octane knockout clash.

... MATCH DAY ...

A date with destiny - It is make-or-break time in Mumbai as India take on England in the second semifinal of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. In the city of dreams, one team will see their dreams shattered while the other's dreams gather momentum as they earn the right to face the high-flying New Zealand in the grand final in Ahmedabad. These two sides have crossed paths in the semifinals of the previous two T20 World Cups, and on both occasions, the winner of that contest has gone on to lift the trophy. Perhaps there is a good omen attached to this clash. The art of getting it done - England's wins have not always been convincing, but they have consistently found ways to get the job done. Harry Brook's side finished second in Group C behind West Indies, the only side to hand them a defeat in the tournament. From there, they went unbeaten in the Super 8s to secure their place in a 5th consecutive semifinal as they chase a third T20 World Cup title. Openers under the scanner - England's openers have managed just 187 runs combined in the tournament, the lowest among teams that made it to the Super 8 stage. Jos Buttler, in particular, has endured a lean run with single-digit scores in his last five innings, but he brings valuable familiarity with the conditions. He has played more T20s at Wankhede than at any other Indian venue and also has a T20 hundred here, something he will hope helps him rediscover form at a ground where he has enjoyed success in the past. Despite the struggles at the top, England have not been hurt significantly. The middle order has stepped up impressively, with batters from numbers 4 to 7 scoring a combined total of 609 runs at this World Cup, the second most among teams, behind India's 675. Jack of all trades - Will Jacks has been the epitome of a utility player, making valuable contributions with both bat and ball. He is the only player in the tournament to have scored more than 180 runs and picked up more than 6 wickets. His impact has also been reflected in the awards column, with four Player of the Match performances, the most for any player in the tournament. And it is not just his batting that could be decisive. With India being a dominant left-hand batting side, Jacks could play a crucial role with his off breaks. Wickets across the board - England have picked up 56 wickets, the most by any side until the end of the Super 8 stage, with both spin and pace contributing almost equally. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson have combined for 21 wickets between them, while Jofra Archer, after a relatively quiet start to the tournament, has found his rhythm with 10 wickets. Jamie Overton has chipped in with nine wickets and boasts the third-best economy rate among pacers who have played five matches or more up to the end of the Super 8s. Holders with a point to prove - India have made it to their third consecutive T20 World Cup semifinal, and just like England, they are in search of a third title in the tournament's history. They topped Group A, but a crushing defeat in the Super 8 opener at the hands of South Africa left Suryakumar Yadav's men staring at the possibility of an early exit from a home tournament. With their campaign on the line, the defending champions responded with wins over Zimbabwe and the West Indies to pull through. Individual brilliance, collective question - With the bat, different individuals have stepped up at various stages to make meaningful contributions. However, when no one rose to the occasion against South Africa, India were handed a heavy defeat. In the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies, it was Sanju Samson who delivered a match-winning knock for the Men in Blue. The number one-ranked T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma, carried India through much of the year leading up to the World Cup. Yet the pressure of a home tournament, along with opposition teams appearing to have worked out plans against him, has limited his impact. That said, he will have fond memories of facing England at Wankhede, where he smashed a career-best 135 last year as India posted 247 and secured a 150-run victory. Where the game could tilt - With the ball, India's spinners have taken 21 wickets, while the pacers have claimed 31. On paper, the returns look solid, but there are concerns. Hardik Pandya has the worst bowling average in the side, and the number one-ranked T20I bowler, Varun Chakaravarthy, has struggled in the last three games, conceding runs at 10.16 per over. That is where the issue lies for India. If England manage to take down one of India's five frontline bowling options, as South Africa did by targeting Varun, the sixth option becomes Shivam Dube. He has been somewhat predictable with his wide line ploy and has not posed much of a threat when called upon. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - IND - WWLWW | ENG - WWWWW. Venue trends - According to the numbers up to the end of the Super 8s, Wankhede has produced 120 sixes, the most at any ground in the tournament. The average first innings score in this World Cup at the venue is 174, but if we consider only night games, that number rises to 195. Across the four night games played at the venue this tournament, 56 wickets have fallen. Pace has accounted for 29 of them at an economy rate of 9.38, while spin has picked up 27 and has been slightly more economical, going at 8.04 runs per over. Head-to-head in India - India hold a favourable recent record in this matchup. They have won 4 of the last 5 T20I meetings against England, including the previous two. Overall, India have won 10 of the 16 T20Is played between the two sides in India. Final word - The stage is set for a blockbuster semifinal at Wankhede. All that has happened so far belongs in the past, and the past will count for little once the teams walk out to the middle. It will be about who holds their nerve better on the night. Who are you backing to make the trip to Ahmedabad for the summit clash?