T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson Punishes England After Early Drop, Brings Up Fifty With A Six at Wankhede

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Mumbai, March 5: Star India batter Sanju Samson continued his impressive form in the T20 World Cup 2026, smashing his second consecutive half-century during the crucial semi-final clash against England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

The right-handed batter from Kerala came into the knockout encounter on the back of a stunning 97 not out against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final at the Eden Gardens, and once again delivered under pressure to give India early momentum. The batter scored sensational 89 off 42 balls as Will Jacks ended his destructive knock in the 14th over.

Samson Counters Early Blow After Abhishek Sharma's Dismissal

India suffered an early setback when opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for 9 off 7 balls in the second over. However, Samson ensured the early wicket did not slow India's scoring rate as he continued to attack the England bowlers during the powerplay.

Displaying confidence and intent, Samson played his strokes freely and kept the scoreboard ticking despite the pressure of the high-stakes knockout match.

England Pay For Early Dropped Catch

Samson received an early reprieve when he was dropped on 15 by England off Jofra Archer, a mistake that proved costly for the English side.

The Indian batter capitalised on the lifeline and punished the England attack with a series of attacking strokes, ensuring India maintained a strong start.

Fifty Off Just 26 Balls

Samson soon made England regret the missed opportunity, racing to his second fifty of the tournament in just 26 deliveries. The aggressive knock once again underlined his ability to deliver in crucial matches and highlighted the rich vein of form he is currently enjoying in the competition. He hit a maximum off Liam Dawson's widish delivery with an inside-out shot over wide long-off to get to his sixth half-century in the T20Is.

However, Samson's brilliant knock eventually came to an end in the 14th over when Jacks - who dismissed his opening partner Abhishek Sharma earlier in the innings - struck again for England. Tossed up from round the wicket and pushed wide outside off, the delivery forced Samson to reach for an inside-out drive.

The right-hander ended up toe-ending the shot, and Phil Salt completed a comfortable catch at deep cover. Samson departed for a superb 89 off 42 balls, an innings studded with eight fours and seven sixes, falling just short of what would have been a memorable century in the T20 World Cup semi-final.

With back-to-back impactful innings in the knockout stage, Samson emerged as one of India's key performers for the team. His ability to counterattack even after early wickets has provided stability and momentum at the top of the order.