Defending champions India have made it to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal. After a thrilling virtual quarterfinal clash against West Indies, India are set to go up against another two-time T20 World Champions. Before the semifinal, India’s prime speedster Jasprit Bumrah was named dressing room ‘Impact Player of the match’ for his double strike in the middle overs, answering the skipper’s call as West Indies were setting up for a big total. While Bumrah got the medal, he did not forget to mention Shivam Dube who contributed with two crucial boundaries in the penultimate over.
"Special mention to Dube as well. The two fours that he hit didn't let the pressure come into our team. Special mention to him,” Bumrah said as the entire dressing room applauded.
Meanwhile, someone mentioned Tilak Varma who fulfilled his role at no.5 with a cameo to support Sanju Samson who anchored the run chase with a strike rate close to 200.
“Tilak also played a great knock, not taking anything away from him. Come the big day, we have to get together and hopefully win in Mumbai,” Bumrah added.
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Bumrah, Varma and Dube’s contributions in must-win game
When Bumrah was brought back into the attack by Suryakumar Yadav, Roston Chase and Shimron Hetmyer were dominating the middle overs. First, Bumrah got a faint snick off Hetmyer's bat. Then, his well-disguised slower ball caught Chase off-guard. In one over, he bagged two wickets, pushing West Indies on back foot.
In the run chase, Varma arrived at the crease after Suryakumar’s wicket. He hit four fours and a six in his 15-ball 27 to support Samson as the slog overs approached.
Later, when Dube arrived at the crease, India needed 17 runs from 10 balls. Dube released the pressure with a boundary first ball. Then, he finished the over with a boundary to make the equation seven runs in the final six balls.
What happened in IND vs ENG semifinal in 2024?
India will now lock horns with England in the semifinal at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 4. This will be the third consecutive time India will face England in a T20 World Cup semifinal. India won the match by 68 runs with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav taking three wickets each.