MUMBAI - India clung on to beat England by seven runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, despite Jacob Bethell's superb 105 that put Harry Brook's side within a whisker of pulling off a record chase.
After Sanju Samson's scintillating 89 laid the platform for India to pile up a massive 253-7, England finished agonisingly short on 246-7 after a brilliant effort masterminded by Bethell.
Phil Salt (5), Brook (7) and Jos Buttler (25) fell early to leave England 64-3.
But Bethell, aided by partnerships of 77 with Will Jacks (35) and 50 with Sam Curran (18), kept England in the hunt.
The left-hander hit seven sixes and eight fours in his 48-ball thrash before his run out in the final over finally allowed India to celebrate in front of 35,000 jubilant fans in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium.
India will face New Zealand in Sunday's final in Ahmedabad as they attempt to become the first team to retain the trophy and the first to win it on home soil.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, going to Ahmedabad for the final, a special feeling for the boys," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who paid tribute to England.
"They were always in the game, always in the chase. I was very nervous, I'm glad someone didn't check my heart rate," he said, before looking forward to the final.
"In India, going for the title, there will be pressure, there will be nerves but the boys will be excited as well," Suryakumar added.
England captain Brook praised the way his side went about attacking a daunting target.
"All of our lads should be really proud of the way we played tonight and throughout this competition," said Brook.