Mumbai, March 5 (NationPress) A wave of jubilation spread throughout India after the national cricket team narrowly defeated England in a nail-biting semifinal, securing their spot in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Fans from bustling cities to quaint villages took to the streets, proudly waving the Tricolour, igniting firecrackers, and playing dhols (drums) well into the night.

At the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the atmosphere was electric, filled with chants of “India, India”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Jeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega” resonating throughout the stands, long after the last ball was bowled.

“This is incredible! My heart raced during the last three overs,” exclaimed a college student celebrating outside the stadium. “But once Bumrah bowled those yorkers, we knew India would pull through.”

The defending champions secured a dramatic seven-run victory, marking their second consecutive T20 World Cup final appearance, maintaining composure despite a stunning century from England’s Jacob Bethell, as they aimed to become the first team to claim the title three times.

Earlier, India had set a formidable target of 253/7, led by an impressive 89 from Sanju Samson. The aggressive score set the stage for a thrilling showdown as England launched a vigorous chase.

England started explosively, racing to 68 runs in the Power Play. However, they lost three vital wickets, including skipper Harry Brook, who was spectacularly caught by Axar Patel off Jasprit Bumrah — marking the Indian pacer’s 500th international wicket.

Jos Buttler soon followed suit, bowled by Varun Chakravarthy with a cunning googly that shattered the middle stump, leaving England at 64/3 after the sixth over.

Yet, the chase remained alive, thanks to Bethell, who delivered a breathtaking performance, reaching his half-century in just 19 balls and attacking relentlessly, sending the ball soaring into the stands.

Inside the stadium, the crowd fluctuated between tension and euphoria as the English batter kept the target within reach.

“Bethell had us worried for a moment,” admitted a fan wrapped in the Indian flag. “But when Pandya dismissed Curran, the entire stadium erupted. I’ve never heard Wankhede roar like this.”

Bethell eventually reached a magnificent century in just 45 balls, filled with eight fours and seven sixes, keeping England’s dreams alive deep into the chase.

As England required 45 runs from the last three overs, the match hung in the balance. But Jasprit Bumrah executed a masterclass in death bowling, conceding only six runs in the 18th over with pinpoint yorkers.

Hardik Pandya followed brilliantly in the next over, allowing just nine runs and taking out Sam Curran, firmly tilting the match in India’s favor.

The pivotal moment arrived in the final over when Bethell was run out attempting a risky second run off the very first ball. The Wankhede crowd exploded in joy as England’s chances dwindled.

“Everyone around me was embracing strangers,” shared a businessman who had traveled from Gujarat for the match. “This is the magic of cricket in India — it unites the entire nation.”

Although Jofra Archer hit three late sixes, the target proved too daunting as England fell short by seven runs.

As the final moments unfolded, the roar from the stands matched the nationwide celebrations, with fans lighting fireworks, dancing in the streets, and chanting slogans in honor of India’s advance to the World Cup final.

“Now we want the trophy,” exclaimed a fan, smiling amid the festivities. “Just one more win and the entire nation will celebrate once again.”