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India's Record Intent Powers Them Into T20 World Cup Final vs New Zealand

India defeated England by seven runs in a high-scoring T20 World Cup semifinal thriller, amassing 499 runs collectively for a tournament record. Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar praised the team's positive intent as the key statistic in the knockout victory. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings that set the early tempo. India now advances to the final against New Zealand, where they will aim to become the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup.

Key Points: India Beat England in T20 WC SF, Sachin Praises Intent

  • India wins 7-run thriller to reach final
  • 499 runs scored, a T20 WC record
  • Sanju Samson's explosive batting earns POTM
  • India chases historic title defense
2 min read

T20 WC: 'You can measure runs...but the real stat here is intent', says Sachin after India edge out England in SF

India edges England by 7 runs in a 499-run thriller. Sachin Tendulkar hails team's positive intent. Sanju Samson named Player of the Match. Final vs NZ awaits.

"You can measure runs, partnerships, and strike rates, but the real stat here is intent. - Sachin Tendulkar"

New Delhi, March 6

After defending champions India edged past England by seven runs to advance to the T20 World Cup final, legendary batter Sachin hailed the Men in Blue's intent in the high-scoring thriller and said it's the mindset they needed in the knockout matches.

After Sanju Samson led the charge to take India to 253/7, the home team survived a spirited challenge from England to register a seven-run win in a high-scoring semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. The two teams scored 499 runs between them, the most in a men's T20 World Cup match.

"You can measure runs, partnerships, and strike rates, but the real stat here is intent. Loved the positive approach with the bat and the cool heads in the field. That's the mindset you want in knockout cricket," Sachin shared on X.

Samson was adjudged Player of the Match for his explosive batting. Tendulkar hailed the wicketkeeper-batter's impressive show with the bat. "Great to see Sanju Samson carry his form into this match and set the tempo early! Eyes on the final," he added.

India 253/7 is the fourth-highest by a team in T20 World Cup history and the highest ever in a knockout game in the tournament. The only other instance of a team scoring 200+ in a knockout game before today was West Indies' 205/4 against Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in the 2012 semifinal.

In Sunday's title clash, India are chasing a few firsts as they take on New Zealand in Ahmedabad. They are aiming to become the first host team to win the T20 World Cup, the first team to defend the title and the first to lift three T20 World Cup trophies.

India have made it to the final for the fourth time in T20 WCs, the most for any team. Moreover, India is the first team to enter the final as defending champions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
What a match! My heart was in my mouth in those last few overs. But the bowlers held their nerve. That's the cool head Sachin Paaji is talking about. One more to go, boys! 🏏
R
Rohit P
A respectful criticism: While the intent was great, the middle order still looked a bit shaky after Samson got out. We can't afford a collapse in the final against New Zealand. Need to finish strong.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK, that was an insane game of cricket! 499 runs! Both teams were brilliant, but India just had that extra bit of class. Samson was on fire. Best of luck for the final!
V
Vikram M
When the Master speaks, you listen. "The real stat is intent" – this should be printed and put up in the dressing room. Forget the pressure, just go out and express yourself. That's how champions play.
K
Kavya N
So many records! Highest knockout score, most finals... now just one win away from making the biggest history. The entire nation is behind you. Bring it home! 💙

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