Kamal Ghorui
Sanju Samson delivered a sensational performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, producing one of the finest knocks by an Indian batter in a knockout match of the tournament.The right hander smashed a brilliant 89 off just 42 balls, striking eight fours and seven sixes at a staggering strike rate of 211.90. With this innings, Samson equalled Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match. Kohli had earlier scored 89 not out off 47 balls against West Indies in the 2016 semi final at the same venue.Samson’s knock now stands as the joint highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup knockout and also the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper in such matches.The innings continued Samson’s outstanding form in the tournament. Coming into the semi final after an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the final Super Eight game, which effectively served as a knockout clash, the Kerala batter once again played with authority and confidence. The knock also reflected how he has overcome earlier struggles this year to deliver when it matters most.Most 6s for India in a T20WC Tournament 16 – Sanju Samson (2026)15 – Shivam Dube (2026)15 – Rohit Sharma (2024)14 – Ishan Kishan (2026)14 – Hardik Pandya (2026)12 – Yuvraj Singh (2007)The innings also helped Samson create another record. With 16 sixes in the ongoing edition, he now holds the record for the most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup tournament. He surpassed Rohit Sharma’s previous mark of 15 sixes set during the 2024 edition. Shivam Dube also has 15 sixes in the 2026 tournament, while Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya have struck 14 each.Overall in the tournament so far, Samson has scored 232 runs in just four matches at an impressive average of 77.33 and a strike rate of 201.73. His campaign includes two half centuries, with his highest score being the unbeaten 97 against West Indies in Kolkata during the Super Eight stage.
