India book T20 World Cup final spot, Kiwis await
India has booked its place in the T20 World Cup final, with an extraordinary win over England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, with New Zealand lying in wait for Sunday’s final.
India has been installed a 1.36 favourite to win their third T20 World Cup crown, but if there is one thing New Zealand, who are priced at 3.08, can do it is defy bookmakers‘ expectations.
The Kiwis were outstanding in their semi-final, defeating previously undefeated South Africa in a high-class performance, with it an unexpected result.
But India’s T20 squad is formidable and has outstanding depth, particularly in sub-continent conditions, where they play most of their franchise cricket.
India’s win over England was explosive, punctuated by big-hitting and strong running between the wickets.
India posted a massive total of 6-253 after a brutal batting display that included 19 sixes, the most ever hit in a T20 World Cup innings. Sanju Samson led the charge with 89 from 42 balls after being dropped early, while India’s late surge produced 48 runs from the final three overs.
England responded with a remarkable chase of their own, finishing on 8-246 despite Jacob Bethell blasting a superb 105 from 48 deliveries to keep the contest alive.
The match set several tournament records, including the highest combined total in T20 World Cup history and 34 sixes struck across both innings.
England briefly threatened a stunning comeback, but a tight 18th over from Jasprit Bumrah stalled the chase before Jofra Archer struck three consecutive sixes at the death to reduce the margin.
India now advance to the final seeking their third T20 World Cup title, after beginning the tournament warm favourites ahead of the disappointing Australia and South Africa.
