The brilliance of India's wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson was on full display in the second ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against England. On Thursday, March 5th, at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, Samson faced 42 deliveries, crafting an exciting 89 runs featuring 8 fours and 7 sixes. Off-spinner Will Jacks eventually caught him out through Phil Salt, with a mistimed inside-out shot leading to his dismissal at deep cover.
Sanju Samson started hitting big from the outset in the semifinal. English captain Harry Brook dropped his catch when he was at 15, giving Samson the room to showcase his explosive game. Remarkably, Samson reached his half-century in just 26 balls, illustrating his powerful batting prowess.
Before this performance, Sanju Samson scored a masterful unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super-8 clash, leading India to a resounding victory. This win was crucial, securing India's spot in the semifinals.
Thanks to Sanju's dynamic batting, India reached the 100-run mark in just 8.3 overs during the T20 World Cup knockout match, marking this as the second-fastest century in a team score in such matches, only behind New Zealand. New Zealand achieved this in 7.5 overs against South Africa in the current World Cup's first semifinal.
Notably, Sanju Samson has now matched former captain Virat Kohli in achieving one of the highest scores by an Indian batsman in T20 World Cup knockout matches. Kohli made an unbeaten 89 against the West Indies in the 2016 World Cup semifinal.
Top Scores in T20 World Cup Knockout Matches:
100*- Finn Allen (New Zealand) vs. South Africa, Kolkata, 2026 semifinal 96*- Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) vs. West Indies, The Oval, 2009 semifinal 89*- Virat Kohli (India) vs. West Indies, Mumbai, 2016 semifinal 89- Sanju Samson (India) vs. England, Mumbai, 2026 semifinal 86*- Alex Hales (England) vs. India, Adelaide, 2022 semifinal
