06 March,2026 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Captain Yadav guides India to nail-biting win. Pic/Atul Kamble
Captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed the intensity of India's semifinal victory against England, saying, "Was very nervous, heart rate would've been 160-175."
The defending champions held their nerve in a high-scoring clash at Wankhede Stadium, winning by seven runs to enter their second successive T20 World Cup final.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. Obviously, playing in India, leading such a wonderful side, and with the World Cup happening here, going to Ahmedabad to play that final. I think it's a special feeling for all the boys," he added as per PTI inputs.
Sent in to bat, India posted a challenging 253 for 7, thanks to several explosive innings where Sanju Samson smashed 89 off 42 balls with seven sixes and eight fours. Shivam Dube scored 43, Ishan Kishan 39, Hardik Pandya 27 and Tilak Varma 21.
"I think he [Samson] knew what he wanted to do as soon as he went in to bat. Even when a wicket fell, he knew the wicket was good, so he kept pressing the pedal," Yadav said. "The way he batted was exactly what the team required," added Yadav. He also said that it was well-deserved after all the hard work he had put in over the past year, calling it a special innings
Chasing 253, England's Jacob Bethell scored a sensational 105 off 48 balls, but India's bowlers kept their composure.
Jasprit Bumrah: 1/33
Hardik Pandya: 2/38
Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in crucial overs.
"We all know what Bumrah is capable of and what he's done for India over the years. He did the same thing again today, raised his hand and showed character to pull the game away from them. It was a special bowling performance," Yadav said. "The way Bumrah, Arshdeep and other guys pulled it back was unbelievable."
Yadav also praised the fielding and preparation saying that they needed to give credit to T Dilip, their fielding coach since the boys are responding well. "Guys have been going the extra yard, that's showing up."
He added that nerves and pressure would be high in the final saying, "there will definitely be pressure and nerves, especially playing in India and going for the title but the boys and the whole support staff are excited as well."
England captain Harry Brook admitted his team made mistakes and lauded Bethell's batting saying, "we thought there might've been hold, spin in the first innings, slid onto the bat nicely and India batted well. I'll hold my hands up and admit I made a big mistake dropping Samson," as per PTI reports.
"We weren't good enough in the field. We mis-executed, and can't afford to do that against India. Bethell was absolutely unbelievable, he'll earn some serious money. To see him taking it from ball one, showed the world what he can do," added the captain.
Brook acknowledging England's overall effort said that they had a good tournament and should be extremely proud of how they played. "We stuck to it the whole game, unfortunately we were on the wrong side," he added.
With this win, India sets up a summit clash against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday, aiming for back-to-back T20 World Cup titles.
(With PTI Inputs)
