India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson delivered a sensational performance in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against England national cricket team, smashing an explosive 89 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
Continuing his remarkable form in the tournament, Samson’s innings powered India national cricket team to a commanding total of 253 for 7, putting England under immense pressure in the knockout clash.
Samson Matches Kohli’s Historic Knockout Record
Samson’s blistering 89-run knock saw him equal the record held by Virat Kohli for the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Kohli had scored 89 not out off 47 balls against the West Indies cricket team in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Samson now shares the record after falling just short of a century despite dominating the English bowling attack.
The Indian opener smashed seven sixes and eight fours, thrilling fans with an aggressive display of power-hitting.
Samson Breaks Rohit Sharma’s Six-Hitting Record
During the innings, Samson also surpassed Rohit Sharma to register the most sixes by an Indian batter in a single T20 World Cup edition.
Most Sixes For India In A T20 World Cup Edition
- 16 – Sanju Samson (2026)
- 15 – Rohit Sharma (2024)
- 15 – Shivam Dube (2026)
- 14 – Ishan Kishan (2026)
- 14 – Hardik Pandya (2026)
- 12 – Yuvraj Singh (2007)
Middle Order Provides Strong Support
After being sent in to bat, Samson set the tone early, dismantling England’s bowling lineup including pace spearhead Jofra Archer.
India’s middle order maintained the momentum with quick contributions:
- Shivam Dube – 43
- Ishan Kishan – 39
- Hardik Pandya – 27 off 12 balls
- Tilak Varma – 21 off just 7 deliveries
Archer endured a tough outing, conceding 61 runs in his four overs, while Varma added to England’s misery by smashing three sixes in the 19th over.
England Bowlers Struggle Despite Two-Wicket Hauls
Among England’s bowlers, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid managed to pick up two wickets each, finishing with figures of 2/40 and 2/41 respectively.
However, the English attack struggled overall to contain India’s aggressive batting display in the high-scoring semi-final clash.