India’s thrilling 7-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede came down to death-over mastery, and Sanju Samson made sure Jasprit Bumrah got the glory. Despite his own match-defining 89, Samson insisted the real hero was the pace ace.
Accepting Player of the Match, Samson beamed, ‘Victory is Bumrah’s. A generational talent whose bowling today was phenomenal. Without him in the death, no award for me.’
Flashback to the climax: England needed 69 off 5. Bumrah’s 16th: 8 runs. 18th: 6 runs. Pandya’s 19th: 9 runs. Super over? No—England faltered at 22 in the last, short by 7.
Batting first after losing toss, India erupted. Samson’s 42-ball 89 lit up Wankhede with 15 boundaries. Dube’s 43 (25b), Kishan’s 39 (18b), Pandya’s 27 (12b), Varma’s 21 (7b) built 253/7.
Bethell’s valiant 105 (48b, 15 boundaries) nearly pulled it off, but England stranded at 246/7. Bumrah (1/33), Pandya (2/38) starred. This win, fueled by Samson’s nod to Bumrah, signals India’s dominance ahead.