Mumbai’s Wankhede roared as Jacob Bethel delivered a semifinal masterclass, propelling England close to an improbable chase against India. Though defeated, the 22-year-old’s 105-run blitz off 48 balls stole the spotlight, dethroning Finn Allen as the holder of T20 World Cup’s quickest century.
Arriving at the crease with wickets tumbling, Bethel accelerated ruthlessly, reaching three figures in 45 balls—the tournament’s second-fastest ever. This not only broke Chris Gayle’s previous benchmark but also topped Allen’s 33-ball stunner from the South Africa semifinal. Bethel’s knock is now the gold standard in T20 WC knockouts.
England needed 253 but managed 246/7, Bethel’s lone warrior effort falling just short. Samson’s 89 guided India to victory, bagging POTM. Historically, Bethel becomes England’s fourth ton-maker in T20 World Cups, alongside Hales, Buttler, and Brook.
This performance signals Bethel’s arrival as a T20 powerhouse, with scouts and fans alike predicting a stellar international career ahead.