India and New Zealand will meet in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after both teams emerged victorious in contrasting semi-finals, setting up a title clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Hosts India survived a dramatic high-scoring contest to defeat England by seven runs in Mumbai, while New Zealand earlier crushed South Africa by nine wickets in Kolkata thanks to a record-breaking century from Finn Allen.
India edge England in run-fest
In one of the most explosive knockout matches in T20 World Cup history, India posted a formidable 253 for 7 after England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to bowl.
Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89 off 42 balls, hitting seven sixes and eight fours to anchor India’s innings.
Contributions from Ishan Kishan (39), Shivam Dube (43 off 25), Hardik Pandya (27 off 12) and Tilak Varma (21 off 7) helped the hosts pile up a huge total that included 19 sixes.
England mounted a spirited chase despite early setbacks. Jacob Bethell kept the contest alive with a brilliant 105 off 48 balls, striking seven sixes and eight fours.
However, the visitors fell just short as crucial runs proved elusive in the final overs.
Bethell was run out in the last over as England finished on 246 for 7, handing India a narrow seven-run victory.
Hardik Pandya was among the key bowlers for India, taking two wickets.
The win sends India into the T20 World Cup final for the second successive edition and the fourth time overall.
Allen blitz sends New Zealand into final
Earlier, New Zealand stormed into the final after opener Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history to power his team past South Africa by nine wickets at Eden Gardens.
Chasing 170, Allen blasted an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, hammering 10 fours and eight sixes in a stunning display of power hitting.
He shared a rapid opening stand with Tim Seifert, who scored 58, as New Zealand raced to 84 without loss inside the powerplay. The chase was wrapped up in only 12.5 overs with the Kiwis finishing on 173 for 1.
Allen’s century included a brutal assault on Marco Jansen, whom he struck for 4-4-6-6-4 in one over.
Earlier, South Africa had posted 169 for 8 after being asked to bat, with Jansen top-scoring with an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls.
New Zealand’s emphatic win secured the Black Caps a place in their second T20 World Cup final.
Final on Sunday
India and New Zealand will now meet in the tournament final in Ahmedabad on March 8, with both teams aiming to lift the T20 World Cup title after impressive semi-final performances.
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 30 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 1997.
