India produced a strong batting display in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Sanju Samson delivered another explosive performance against the England national cricket team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter continued his impressive run in the tournament, bringing up a blazing half-century off just 26 deliveries.
Samson reached the milestone in style by launching Liam Dawson over the ropes on the fourth ball of the eighth over. The Kerala star looked in complete control as he dominated England’s bowling attack, smashing seven fours and three sixes during his fluent knock.
Samson’s innings, however, could have ended much earlier. In the third over of India’s innings, he mistimed a shot off the bowling of Jofra Archer, only for England captain Harry Brook to drop a straightforward catch. At that point, Samson was on just 15, and the missed opportunity proved costly for England as the Indian batter capitalised on the lifeline and accelerated the scoring rate.
WATCH – Harry Brook’s Costly Drop Gives Sanju Samson Lifeline As India Dominate In Semi-final
His aggressive batting not only strengthened India’s position but also drew widespread praise from fans across social media, with many celebrating the batter’s fearless approach in such a high-pressure knockout match.
Another must-win game, another Sanju Samson masterclass! 🔥
His maiden T20I fifty against England and what an occasion to bring it up! 👏
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | Semi-final 2 | #INDvENG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/L2OuYBUDbL pic.twitter.com/1csgOPterB
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 5, 2026
This is the new Sanju Samson we are seeing. The problem with him was consistency & the casual way he use to get out but looks like he’s realised that. In the last game not a single casual shot. 100% commitment towards each stroke & repeating it tonight as well. He’s such a wow…
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) March 5, 2026
Calm. Clutch. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗷𝘂 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻. 🧊🔥
Back-to-back 5️⃣0️⃣s! Now go big, Chetta. 👀📈#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1s7vPYfaC1
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 5, 2026
Sanju 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐂𝐇 Samson doing it again 🔥#INDvENG #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/MabzrN4FiT
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 5, 2026
Sometimes, destiny gives you a second chance and that’s exactly what’s happening with Sanju Samson.
He played that fighting knock in the last game. Today, he started confidently again. Then came that moment, he mistimed one, and Harry Brook put down a SIMPLE catch. That’s how… pic.twitter.com/83v3eOHHZ7
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) March 5, 2026
How has Sanju Samson performed in the last two games?
Umm… 50-50.#INDvsENG— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) March 5, 2026
Sanju Samson, freed from the fear of keeping his place in the side, now unstoppable. #INDvENG
— Aniruddha Guha (@AniGuha) March 5, 2026
mera comeback bhi sanju samson jaisa ho manifesting
— mim⁷ (@tanfiles) March 5, 2026
Sanju Samson is best batter of this generation.India bow down to you Sanju .#SanjuSamson #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ceztvJv6XO
— Hitman 45 (@Hitman450745) March 5, 2026
#INDvENG
Sanju Samson when 1 wkt goes down in KOs pic.twitter.com/SabgTiKgXL— Abdullah (@abdultweetss) March 5, 2026
Sanju Shandaar Samson🔥🔥🔥
— Kiishann Parmaar (@kiiishann) March 5, 2026
Where can I get the sanju samson apology form?
— batmaneskin (@sippthegossipp) March 5, 2026
sanju samson itna accha toh kabhi IPL mein bi nahi khela😭😭
— Chirag (@Guardian_Vyala) March 5, 2026
Sanju Samson is Sachin Tendulkar re-incarnated this tournament
— roberto (@rcadxwn) March 5, 2026
Samson wasn’t the only Indian batter scoring quickly. Ishan Kishan also provided valuable support at the other end with a quickfire cameo. By the end of nine overs, Kishan had raced to 35 runs off just 16 balls, ensuring India maintained a strong run rate in the power-packed semifinal clash.
ALSO READ: Netizens React As Abhishek Sharma Fails Again In T20 World Cup Semi-final vs England
However, it was another disappointing outing for Abhishek Sharma. The left-handed opener once again failed to convert his start and was dismissed for nine runs off seven balls. He fell to off-spinner Will Jacks, continuing a worrying trend of struggles against spin in the tournament.
With Samson leading the charge and India scoring at a brisk pace, the hosts looked well placed to post a formidable total in this crucial World Cup semifinal.
