22-Year-Old Jacob Bethell Smashes Epic Century In Maiden T20 World Cup Semi-Final

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Mumbai, March 5: England's Jacob Bethell delivered a remarkable performance in his first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final, smashing a sensational 105 off 48 balls against India at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday (March 5).

The 22-year-old's fearless century kept England alive in a daunting chase, even though his heroic effort ultimately came in a losing cause as India secured a seven-run victory.

Bethell Rises To The Occasion In High-Pressure Game

Walking in with England under pressure in the chase of a massive total, Bethell produced an innings of extraordinary composure and power. The young left-hander attacked both pace and spin with confidence, peppering the boundary ropes with crisp strokes and towering sixes while keeping England firmly in contention throughout the innings.

A Knock That Announced Bethell On The World Stage

Bethell reached his century in just 45 balls, placing his knock among the fastest hundreds in the history of the Men's T20 World Cup. His innings highlighted not only his clean ball-striking but also his maturity in a high-pressure knockout match on one of cricket's biggest stages.

There was also a moment of fortune for Bethell in the 19th over when he launched Hardik Pandya towards long-off. The ball travelled straight towards Axar Patel, who had earlier taken two stunning catches in the match, but the Indian fielder failed to hold on to the chance as Bethell slammed his maiden T20I century.

The left-handed batter failed to continue his assault as he was run-out for 105 on the first ball of the final over. His innings was laced with eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 219. He ended up posting the highest individual score in a knockout game of T20 World Cup.

Fastest Hundreds in History of the T20 World Cup

England Fall Just Short Despite Bethell's Heroics

Despite Bethell's brilliance, the required run rate kept climbing in the closing overs. With England needing a big finish, the young batter tried to push the scoring further but was eventually run out for 105 off 48 balls, ending a breathtaking innings that had kept England's hopes alive.

England finished on 246/7 in their 20 overs, falling seven runs short in what turned out to be the highest-scoring match in T20 World Cup history, with the two sides combining for 499 runs.

Although the result went India's way, Bethell's blazing century in his maiden T20 World Cup semi-final will be remembered as one of the standout performances of the tournament and a defining moment in the young England batter's international career.