Power and precision defined India’s innings in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede, where Sanju Samson’s explosive 89 off 42 balls headlined a formidable 253/7. England now faces the Herculean task of chasing 254, with the final against New Zealand awaiting the survivor on March 8 in Ahmedabad.
Bowled first after the toss loss, India absorbed an early jolt with Abhishek Sharma’s duck-like 9. Enter Samson and Ishan Kishan, who demolished the powerplay with a 97-run alliance in 45 balls, propelling the score to 117. Kishan’s 39-ball cameo (4 fours, 2 sixes) ignited the crowd.
Undeterred, Samson synced with Shivam Dube for 43 runs in 22 balls, hitting 160. After Samson’s departure amid roars, Suryakumar contributed 11, while Dube’s 43 (25 balls: 4 sixes, 1 four) showcased middle-order muscle before a fatal mix-up. Hardik Pandya (27* off 12: 3 fours, 2 sixes) and Tilak Varma (21* off 7: 3 sixes) then detonated the death, smashing boundaries at will.
England’s bowlers were punished: Will Jacks (2 wickets), Adil Rashid (2), with Jofra Archer’s expensive 4 overs going for 61 and Sam Curran’s for 53. Archer snared one scalp. India fielded their unchanged eleven, while England debuted Jamie Overton over Rehan.
Key performers: Samson’s boundary bonanza, Dube’s six-hitting prowess, and the late surge. Playing XIs confirmed India’s firepower upfront and finishers at the back. As floodlights brighten Wankhede, England’s chase begins under immense pressure. India’s pace battery, led by Bumrah, looms large.