Defeat couldn’t dim Jacob Bethel’s glory in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India at Wankhede Stadium. The English youngster, just 22, unleashed a record-shattering 105 off 48 balls, clinching the second-fastest century in tournament history at 45 balls.
With wickets tumbling early, Bethel’s arrival sparked hope. He outpaced Chris Gayle’s mark and overtook Finn Allen’s 33-ball ton from the South Africa semi, rewriting record books. This knock is now the highest in T20 World Cup knockout stages.
England needed 253 but fell agonizingly short at 246/7. Bethel carried the batting alone, while India’s Sanju Samson (89) starred and grabbed Player of the Match. Teammates’ failure to build partnerships proved costly.
Bethel became England’s fourth T20WC ton-maker, after Hales’ 116*, Buttler’s 101*, and Brook’s 100. His poise and power have scouts comparing him to legends, signaling a bright era for English cricket ahead.