Ex-Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar calls England player 'Goron ka Hardik Pandya'

NEW DELHI: India reached the T20 World Cup 2026 final after beating England by seven runs in a thrilling semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. While India celebrated the win, England all-rounder Will Jacks earned praise for his strong performance with both bat and ball.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was especially impressed with Jacks’s effort. The England star picked up two important wickets, dismissing Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, and also scored a quick 35 runs from 20 balls.




Samson was batting brilliantly and looked set for a century before Jacks removed him on 89.

Praising the all-rounder, Akhtar said in a video: "But again Will Jacks! He once again arrived in bowling and claimed two wickets. He is an amazing player. He scores runs as well. Goron ka Hardik Pandya hai (He is the Hardik Pandya of England). He always contributes."



India had earlier posted a big total of 253/7 after being asked to bat first. Samson led the charge with 89 off 42 balls, while other batters chipped in with useful contributions.

England’s chase stayed alive until the very end, mainly because of a stunning knock by Jacob Bethell, who smashed 105 off just 48 balls.

However, tight bowling in the final overs from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, along with brilliant fielding from Axar Patel, helped India seal the narrow win.

With the victory, India booked their place in the final, where they will face New Zealand national cricket team at Narendra Modi Stadium.

India will now aim to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title.

Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG Live Score updates, including the full schedule, teams, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.