The hosts posted a formidable 253/7 after England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to field first on a batting-friendly pitch, then defended it with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to secure their place in Sunday's final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
India's innings was powered by a blistering knock from Sanju Samson, who smashed 89 off just 42 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes. His aggressive intent set the tone early, as India raced to 67/1 in the powerplay. Ishan Kishan provided solid support with 39 off 18, while Shivam Dube contributed a quick 43 off 25.
Despite some late wickets - including run-outs and sharp work from Adil Rashid (2/41) and Will Jacks (2/40) - India's total of 253/7 featured 19 sixes and 18 fours, putting immense pressure on the chasing side.
England's reply was explosive but ultimately fell just short. Jacob Bethell played a sensational innings, scoring a century off 48 balls (105 with 8 fours and 7 sixes), keeping the chase alive deep into the innings with crucial partnerships, including a 77-run stand with Will Jacks (35 off 20).
Early blows from Hardik Pandya (2/38), who removed Phil Salt and later Sam Curran (18 off 14), and Jasprit Bumrah's key scalp of Harry Brook disrupted England's momentum, leaving them 95/4 at one stage.
Bethell's heroics brought England back into contention, reaching 222/6 with 32 needed off the last 10 balls, but India's bowlers - backed by tight overs from Varun Chakravarthy (1/64) and Axar Patel (1/35) - held firm. A crucial run-out of Bethell (105) in the 20th over sealed the game, with England finishing on 246/7.
This victory extends India's strong record in high-stakes encounters at home and avenges past semi-final battles against England in previous World Cups. With their blend of firepower and composure under pressure, India now march into the final as firm favorites. What a spectacle this semi-final was- pure T20 entertainment at its finest!
India's Sanju Samson believes clarity in his role and position has given him the confidence to play the type of innings he did against England in the T20 World Cup semifinal.
The West Indies cricket team has been stranded in India for more than four days, prompting head coach Daren Sammy to express his frustration on social media on Thursday.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel insists they need to be on top of their game if the hosts are to overcome a "fearless" England side in the T20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made no less than nine changes to his matchday 23 that will face Italy in the Six Nations at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday.
