MUMBAI: In a breathtaking display of power-hitting at Wankhede Stadium, Sanju Samson unleashed a ferocious innings to propel India to a massive 253/7 against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final. The towering target of 254 leaves England with a mountain to climb, with the winners set to face New Zealand in the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, England watched helplessly as India’s batters took control early. The innings kicked off with a setback when Abhishek Sharma fell for 9 off just 7 balls in the second over. But Samson, promoted up the order, steadied the ship alongside Ishan Kishan. The duo forged a brisk 97-run stand off 45 balls, racing India to 117.
Kishan departed for a quickfire 39 off 18 balls, laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes. Samson then linked up with Shivam Dube for another explosive 43-run partnership in just 22 balls, pushing the score to 160. Samson’s masterclass ended at 89 off 42 balls, featuring 8 fours and 7 massive sixes, earning a standing ovation.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 11 runs before Shivam Dube anchored the middle order. Dube smashed 43 off 25 balls, including 4 sixes and a four, but a mix-up with Hardik Pandya cost him his wicket after adding 22 runs. In the death overs, Pandya (27 off 12, with 3 fours and 2 sixes) and Tilak Varma (21 off 7, 3 sixes) unleashed havoc, propelling India past 250.
England’s bowlers struggled on the batting paradise. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid claimed 2 wickets apiece, while Jofra Archer leaked 61 runs in 4 overs, and Sam Curran conceded 53. India stuck with their winning XI, while England brought in Jamie Overton for Rehan.
With the Wankhede crowd roaring, India has set the stage for a thrilling chase. Can England pull off the impossible, or will India’s bowlers seal the deal for a final spot?