Sanju Samson’s explosive 89 and disciplined bowling led by Jasprit Bumrah help India edge past England despite Jacob Bethell’s stunning century.
Samson’s explosive knock powers India to 253
India produced a spectacular batting display in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, posting a massive 253/7 in 20 overs. The innings was led by wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who smashed a brilliant 89 off just 42 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of over 211.
Watch Video:
Samson’s fearless strokeplay set the tone for India’s innings. After settling in during the first few deliveries, he launched a powerful assault on England’s bowlers, finding boundaries with ease and clearing the ropes regularly.
Kishan and Dube provide explosive support
India’s batting fireworks did not end with Samson. Ishan Kishan played a rapid cameo, scoring 39 off 18 balls, while Shivam Dube added crucial momentum with 43 runs from 25 deliveries.
In the death overs, Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 27 off 12 balls, helping India cross the 250-run mark in the high-stakes knockout clash.
Bethell’s century keeps England in the fight
Chasing a daunting target of 254, England fought hard and stayed alive in the contest thanks to a magnificent innings by Jacob Bethell. Batting at No. 4, Bethell smashed a sensational 105 off 48 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes.
Despite his remarkable effort, England fell just short of the target, finishing seven runs behind India.
Indian bowlers hold their nerve
India’s bowlers held their composure in the tense moments. Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each to restrict England’s progress.
Axar Patel also played a key role in the field, taking three crucial catches that helped India maintain pressure on the English batting line-up.
Samson praises Bumrah after winning Player of the Match
After being named Player of the Match, Sanju Samson credited India’s bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, for the crucial victory. Samson said that if Bumrah had not bowled so brilliantly under pressure, he might not have been standing at the Player of the Match podium.
Samson also praised England for putting up a strong fight and thanked the Wankhede crowd for their incredible support, saying the energy from the spectators helped motivate the team during the tense moments of the match.
With this thrilling victory, India have secured a place in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final, where they will face New Zealand.
