At Mumbai\u2019s Wankhede Stadium, the atmosphere was electric as chants of \u201cIndia, India\u201d, \u201cVande Mataram\u201d and \u201cJeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega\u201d echoed through the stands long after the final ball was bowled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is unbelievable. My heart was in my mouth in the last three overs,\u201d said a college student celebrating outside the stadium. \u201cBut when Bumrah bowled those yorkers, we knew India would do it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defending champions clinched a dramatic seven-run victory to reach their second successive T20 World Cup final, holding their nerve despite a sensational century from England\u2019s Jacob Bethell and set themselves up for becoming the first nation to win the title thrice. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, India had posted a daunting 253\/7, powered by a brilliant 89 from Sanju Samson. The aggressive total set the tone for a high-octane contest as England launched a fierce chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England began in explosive fashion, racing to 68 runs in the Power Play. However, they also lost three crucial wickets, including skipper Harry Brook, who was caught brilliantly by Axar Patel off Jasprit Bumrah \u2014 the Indian pacer\u2019s 500th international wicket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jos Buttler soon followed, bowled by Varun Chakravarthy with a deceptive googly that rattled the middle stump, leaving England at 64\/3 in the sixth over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yet the chase stayed alive thanks to Bethell, who produced a breathtaking innings. He smashed his half-century in just 19 balls and continued to attack relentlessly, sending the ball soaring into the stands with fearless stroke play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Inside the stadium, the crowd oscillated between tension and celebration as the English batter kept the target within reach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBethell scared us for a while,\u201d admitted a fan draped in the Indian flag. \u201cBut when Pandya got Curran out, the whole stadium erupted. I\u2019ve never heard Wankhede this loud.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bethell eventually brought up a magnificent century in just 45 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, keeping England\u2019s hopes alive deep into the chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England needed 45 runs from the final three overs, and the match hung in the balance. But Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding just six runs in the 18th over with three pinpoint yorkers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hardik Pandya then followed it up brilliantly in the next over, giving away only nine runs and removing Sam Curran to tilt the contest firmly in India\u2019s favour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The decisive moment came in the final over when Bethell was run out attempting a risky second run off the very first ball. The Wankhede crowd erupted in deafening celebration as England\u2019s hopes faded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEveryone around me was hugging strangers,\u201d said a businessman, who had travelled from Gujarat for the match. \u201cThis is what cricket does in India \u2014 it brings the whole country together.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although Jofra Archer struck three late sixes, the target proved too steep as England fell short by seven runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEveryone around me was hugging strangers,\u201d said a businessman, who had travelled from Gujarat for the match. \u201cThis is what cricket does in India \u2014 it brings the whole country together.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNow we want the trophy,\u201d said a fan, smiling amid the celebrations. \u201cOne more win and the whole nation will celebrate again.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n