Mumbai: India produced a spectacular batting display in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium, riding on a blistering knock from Sanju Samson to post a massive total of 253/7 in 20 overs.
Opening the innings, Samson once again showed why he thrives on the big stage. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed a breathtaking 89 off just 42 balls, setting the tone for India’s aggressive approach in the knockout clash. His innings was studded with eight boundaries and seven towering sixes, and he maintained a strike rate of over 211.
Samson looked in complete control from the outset. After taking a few deliveries to settle in, he launched a fierce assault on the England bowling attack. In the very first over from Jofra Archer, Samson signalled his intent by striking a boundary followed by a six, electrifying the Wankhede crowd.
Once he found his rhythm, there was little respite for England. Samson punished anything short or overpitched, finding gaps with ease and clearing the ropes with authority. His fearless stroke play put England under tremendous pressure and laid the perfect platform for India to aim for a huge total.
Although Samson looked set for a memorable century, he fell short of the milestone. Attempting another big shot, he was caught at deep cover off Will Jacks after scoring 89 runs. Despite missing out on a hundred, his explosive innings had already done the damage and placed India in a commanding position.
India’s batting fireworks were not limited to Samson alone. Ishan Kishan provided crucial support with a rapid 39 off 18 balls, maintaining a strike rate of over 216. Kishan’s aggressive approach ensured that England never managed to pull things back during the middle overs.
Shivam Dube further intensified the pressure on the opposition bowlers with a powerful knock of 43 from just 25 deliveries. His clean hitting helped India maintain a high scoring rate as the innings progressed.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 11 off six balls, while Hardik Pandya added a quickfire 27 from 12 deliveries. Tilak Varma also played a handy cameo, scoring 21 off seven balls to give the innings a strong finish.
India’s only early setback came when Abhishek Sharma departed cheaply for nine runs after facing seven deliveries. However, the partnership between Samson and Kishan ensured the momentum remained firmly with the hosts.
The Indian team got off to a flying start in the powerplay, scoring 67 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs. Samson was the standout performer during this phase, hammering 41 runs to put England on the back foot.
By the end of their innings, India had piled up an imposing total of 253/7, leaving England with a daunting target of 254 runs to chase in the semi-final clash.
Samson’s electrifying innings drew a standing ovation from the Wankhede crowd, underlining the impact of his performance on one of the biggest stages in world cricket.
