Kamal Ghorui
England’s young batter Jacob Bethell delivered a stunning performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi final against the India national cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Although England eventually lost the match by seven runs, Bethell’s sensational century turned the chase into a thrilling contest and etched his name in the record books.Fastest 100s in T20 WC (by balls taken)33 – Finn Allen vs SA, Kolkata, 2026 SF45 – Jacob Bethell vs IND, Mumbai WS, 202647 – Chris Gayle vs ENG, Mumbai WS, 201650 – Chris Gayle vs SA, Johannesburg, 200750 – Harry Brook vs PAK, Pallekele, 2026Chasing a massive target of 254, Bethell produced a fearless knock of 105 from just 48 balls. The left hander attacked from the start and kept England in the hunt with a series of powerful strokes. His innings stood out as the highlight of England’s chase as the team finished on 246 for seven.
The century was historic for multiple reasons. Bethell registered the fastest hundred by an England batter in T20 World Cup history. His fifty also came in just 19 balls, which is the joint fastest half century in T20 World Cup knockout matches. Finn Allen had earlier reached the same milestone in 19 balls against South Africa in the first semi final of the tournament.The 19 ball fifty also became the fastest by an England player in T20 World Cups, surpassing the previous record held by Will Jacks, who had reached a half century in 21 balls earlier in the competition against Italy.Despite Bethell’s extraordinary effort, England could not complete the chase. Earlier in the evening, India had posted a massive 253 on the board. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89 from 42 balls, while Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma also chipped in with quick runs.India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final stages of the chase. Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah delivered a disciplined spell, finishing with figures of 1 for 33.The match also created history with the combined total of 499 runs becoming the second highest match aggregate in men’s T20 internationals. Despite ending on the losing side, Bethell’s record breaking century will be remembered as one of the most explosive knocks of the tournament and the fastest ever by an England batter in a T20 World Cup.
