The Wankhede Stadium erupted on Thursday as Sanju Samson carved up England’s attack in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, helping India post a daunting 253/7. Chasing 254 will test England’s mettle, with the victor advancing to the title clash against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on March 8.
India, sent in to bat after losing the toss, lost Abhishek Sharma early for 9. Samson then took charge, partnering Ishan Kishan for a 97-run blitz off 45 balls that lifted India to 117. Kishan’s aggressive 39 (18 balls, 4×4, 2×6) set the tone before he holed out.
Samson continued his assault with Shivam Dube, adding 43 in 22 balls to reach 160. The Rajasthan Royals star fell for a brilliant 89 (42 balls, 8×4, 7×6), with skipper Suryakumar Yadav adding 11. Dube’s gritty 43 (25 balls, 1×4, 4×6) nearly saw him to a fifty, undone by a run-out after a 22-run stand with Hardik Pandya.
The finale belonged to the finishers: Pandya’s 27 off 12 (3×4, 2×6) and Tilak Varma’s blistering 21 off 7 (3×6) ensured India crossed 250. England’s attack faltered badly – Jacks and Rashid grabbed two wickets each, Archer (1/61) and Curran (0/53) bled runs freely.
No changes for India in their lineup, boasting Abhishek Sharma, Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, SKY (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. England slotted in Jamie Overton replacing Rehan, with Salt, Buttler (wk), Brook (c), Bethell, Banton, Curran, Jacks, Overton, Dawson, Archer, and Rashid.
History suggests high scores at Wankhede often favor the chasing side, but India’s bowling arsenal could turn the tide. The semi-final promises edge-of-the-seat drama.