Indian opener Sanju Samson suffered a major scare but had England captain Harry Brook to thank in the IND VS ENG T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final on Thursday. Samson batting on 15, hit a Jofra Archer delivery straight to Brook at mid on. The England captain however dropped a dolly, to offer the in-form man a reprieve.
Despite the dropped catch, Samson did not take his foot off the pedal in a display of perfect T20 batting. In an insult to injury, Sanju hit a six two balls later. He finished the over with a delightful late dab to the boundary.
He reached his half-century in just 26 balls, making full use of the conditions on effect. It was his second consecutive half-century, building a a strong partnership with Ishan Kishan who joined him at No.3.
Sanju eventually managed 89 off just 42 balls, setting up India for a score in excess of 250. The Kerala superstar struck eight boundaries and seven sixes during his stay at the crease, putting pressure on the England attack.
It is quite the turnaround for the Indian opener who was dropped from the playing XI earlier in the tournament. He has now turned up with knocks of 97 and 89 to power India's charge to possibly yet another final. It is the joint highest score by an Indian in a T20 WC semi-final, equalling Virat Kohli's 89 off 47 against West Indies at the Wankhede in 2016.
