Sanju Samson produced one of the defining batting displays of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final, scoring a blistering 89 runs off just 42 balls against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. His knock featured eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 211.90, and in doing so he equalled Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the highest individual score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Kohli’s benchmark score of 89 not out came off 47 deliveries against the West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final at the same venue. That innings had set a standard for Indian batsmen in high-pressure knockout games and stood untouched for a decade. With Samson’s superb 89 today, he now stands alongside Kohli at the summit of India’s knockout records.
Samson’s Innings and India’s Record Knockout Total
Samson’s innings arrived in a high-stakes chase-setting role. Coming in after India lost an early wicket, he combined with Ishan Kishan in a 97-run partnership for the second wicket, helping India to a formidable 253 for 7 in 20 overs, the highest total ever posted by any team in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
His blazing knock not only set up the platform for a record total but also helped India apply scoreboard pressure in a game where quick runs and big hitting were at a premium. Support from Shivam Dube (43) and Kishan (39) further strengthened India’s innings before the England bowlers struck late.
Before this game, no team had posted more than 253 in a knockout match in T20 World Cup history, making India’s effort at Mumbai’s iconic venue a new benchmark.
England’s Fightback and Bethell’s Heroics
England’s chase was one of the most dramatic responses seen in recent T20 World Cup history. Youngster Jacob Bethell scored a remarkable 105 off 48 balls, anchoring his side close to the target with an aggressive display of stroke-play. Bethell’s innings was studded with big hits and kept England in contention deep into the chase.
Despite his century, England ultimately fell short by just seven runs, finishing at 246 for 7. Bethell’s effort was one of the highest individual scores in semi-final history and narrowly missed turning the match in England’s favour.
Samson’s record-equaling performance and India’s record total proved decisive in a thriller that will be remembered as one of the classic knockout encounters in T20 World Cup history.
