India’s thrilling victory over England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final drew praise from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who highlighted the team’s calm execution during the decisive final overs. The high-scoring contest at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai saw India defend a challenging total to secure their place in the tournament final.
India had posted a massive total of 253 runs, setting England a demanding chase. Despite a remarkable century from England batter Jacob Bethell, the Indian bowling unit remained composed under pressure and successfully protected the target.
Pathan appreciated how the bowlers maintained control when the match entered its most intense phase. According to him, the ability to stay calm and deliver accurate yorkers and disciplined lengths played a crucial role in the final overs. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya managed to restrict the scoring rate even when England required quick boundaries to stay in the contest.
He noted that in situations where batters look to clear the boundary repeatedly, maintaining composure becomes more important than anything else. The Indian bowlers executed their plans effectively, focusing on precise deliveries rather than trying risky variations.
Another turning point in the match came when England lost the important partnership between Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran. Their stand had begun to build momentum for England, but Curran’s dismissal halted the chase and shifted the pressure back onto the batting side.
Pathan also highlighted the decision to give the final over to Shivam Dube, which proved to be a key tactical move. With England needing a large number of runs in the last over, Dube kept his composure and delivered controlled deliveries that prevented any late comeback.
India eventually secured a narrow victory, winning by seven runs in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. The result confirmed India’s place in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, where they will face New Zealand in the championship clash.
