Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium witnessed fireworks on Thursday as India posted 253 for 7 against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final 2, hammering 19 sixes to draw level with the tournament’s single-innings record. The target of 254 now looms large over the defending champions.
Sanju Samson was the architect of this carnage, smashing 89 off 42 balls with 7 sixes and 8 boundaries. His partnership of 97 runs for the second wicket rescued India from early trouble after Ishan Kishan’s brisk 39 off 18 set the platform. Shivam Dube’s 43 then stabilized the middle order.
This effort catapults Samson to the top of the charts for most sixes by an Indian in one T20 World Cup, with 16 blasts. He edges out Rohit Sharma and Shivam Dube, both previously tied. Kishan and Pandya follow with 14 each, evoking memories of Yuvraj Singh’s legendary 2007 campaign.
India’s bowlers now eye the defense, but the batting firepower was historic. Earlier records include Netherlands’ 19 against Ireland (2014) and West Indies’ identical haul vs Zimbabwe in 2026 at the same venue. India themselves hit 17 vs Zimbabwe here, surpassing Australia’s 16 from 2010.
England’s attack, led by Jacks and Rashid (2 wickets each) and Archer (1), couldn’t contain the onslaught. Hardik Pandya (27) and Tilak Varma (21) ensured depth in the lineup. This semi-final promises edge-of-the-seat action as England steps up to chase glory.