Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: India booked their place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating England by seven runs in a thrilling, high-scoring semifinal at Wankhede, Mumbai, on Thursday.
Sent to bat first after losing the toss, India scored 253 for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. In reply, England fell short of the target by seven runs despite a valiant century by Jacob Bethell.
Although England got rid of opener Abhishek Sharma (9) cheaply, Sanju Samson struck an explosive 89 off 42 balls to set course for a high total for India. He found support from Ishan Kishan (39), Shivam Dube (43), Hardik Pandey (27) and Tilka Varma (21) at the other end.
Will Jacks and Adil Rashid claimed two wickets each for England, while Jofra Archer picked up one. Archer conceded 61 runs in his four over spell.
England top ordered faltered in the chase of a mammoth total. Phil Salt fell for five, while Jos Butler scored 25 and captain Harry Brook could make only seven. Bethell, however, scored 105 of 48 balls to keep England on the hunt. He hit eight fours and seven towering sixes all around the park. Will Jacks scored 35, Sam Curran made 18 and Jofra Archer contributed 19.
England, which needed 30 off the last over to enter final, could manage only 22.
India will now meet New Zealand in the final scheduled for Sunday.
