Sanju Samson and Virat Kohli at Wankhede Stadium during T20 World Cup 2026 & 2016 (Source: AFP)
Sanju Samson made a fairy tale comeback to India’s set-up, that too when the Men in Blue required him the most. The 31-year-old once again showed the world on Thursday why he is not just a talent, but more than that.
Despite losing Abhishek Sharma early in an all-important T20 World Cup semi-final against England, India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson did not slow down for a little while at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He kept on smashing the England attack, led by Jofra Archer, from left, right and centre before smashing a spectacular six to get to a blazing half-century.
Samson got there in 26 balls, the second fastest by an Indian in T20 World Cup knockouts. The record is currently held by Yuvraj Singh, who got there in 20 balls against Australia back in 2007. Hardik Pandya, who smashed a half-century in 29 balls in Adelaide in 2022, is third on the list.
Eventually, Samson fell for a 42-ball 89, which was laced with eight fours and seven delightful sixes. Will Jacks, who took Abhishek Sharma’s wicket earlier, got the man once again.
In the process, Samson equalled Kohli’s T20 World Cup record – highest score by an Indian in T20 World Cup knockouts. Kohli had an unbeaten 89-run knock against the West Indies, which came at the same venue back in 2016.
Here are some of the records which made headlines during India versus England T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, courtesy of Sanju Samson masterclass.
Highest Individual Scores for India in T20 World Cup Knockouts
- 89* - Virat Kohli vs West Indies, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2016 (SF)
- 89 - Sanju Samson vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026 (SF), Tonight*
- 77 - Virat Kohli vs Sri Lanka, Mirpur, 2014 (Final)
Also Read: How India’s Death Bowling Woes Could Cost Them T20 World Cup Semi-Final Vs England
Fastest 50s for India in T20 World Cup Knockouts (By Balls)
- 20 - Yuvraj Singh vs Australia Durban, 2007 (SF)
- 26 - Sanju Samson vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026 (SF), Tonight*
- 29 - Hardik Pandya vs England, Adelaide, 2022 (SF)
Fastest Team 200 for India in T20 World Cups
- 16.4 Overs vs Zimbabwe, Chennai, 2026
- 16.5 Overs vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026, Tonight*
- 18.1 Overs vs Namibia, Delhi, 2026
- 18.5 Overs vs England, Durban, 2007
Fastest Team 200s in T20 World Cups
- 16.2 Overs by Sri Lanka vs Kenya, Johannesburg, 2007
- 16.3 Overs by England vs South Africa, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2016
- 16.4 Overs by India vs Zimbabwe, Chennai, 2026
- 16.5 Overs by West Indies vs Zimbabwe, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026
- 16.5 Overs by India vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026, Tonight*
Most 6s for India in an Innings in T20 World Cup Knockouts
- 6 - Sanju Samson vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026 (SF), Tonight
- 5 - Yuvraj Singh vs Australia, Durban, 2007 (SF)
- 5 - Hardik Pandya vs England, Adelaide, 2022 (SF)
After being asked to bat first, India, at the time of writing this, are 212/5 after 17.3 overs, with Shivam Dube making an important 25-ball 43, which had four sixes. England would aim to finish things on a high note before they begin a historic T20 World Cup chase at the knockout stage.
Also Read: Indian Cricket Team Creates History In ICC Events, Does What Even Australia, England Failed At
