MUMBAI, India: India delivered a batting masterclass at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, posting a colossal 253 against England in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after being asked to bat first.
The explosive total, achieved at a staggering run rate of 12.65, has given India a 95.73% win probability according to match analytics, leaving England with a daunting chase of 254 to secure their place in the final.
No stopping Sanju Samson 👊
Second half-century in a row and he gets there with a biggie 💪
#T20WorldCup broadcast details ➡️ https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/OB4USOuQK4— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2026
Samson, Kishan provide explosive start
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that quickly backfired as Indian openers launched a breathtaking assault on the English bowling attack.
Sanju Samson was the architect of India’s dominance, playing a breathtaking knock of 89 runs off just 42 deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s innings was laced with 8 fours and 7 sixes, as he took a particular liking to the English pace attack. He found able support from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 39 off a mere 18 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes.
The opening pair added 117 runs for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma (9 off 7), who was caught by Salt off the bowling of Will Jacks in the second over.
Middle Order Maintains Momentum
After Kishan’s departure in the ninth over, caught by Jacks off Adil Rashid, Shivam Dube continued the onslaught. Dube played a crucial cameo of 43 runs from 25 deliveries, clearing the boundary ropes four times.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav contributed a quickfire 11 from 6 balls before being stumped by Buttler off Rashid, but the fireworks continued through Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma.
Pandya’s late assault yielded 27 runs from just 12 balls, featuring 3 fours and 2 sixes, while Tilak Varma played a stunning cameo of 21 off only 7 deliveries, smashing three sixes before falling to Jofra Archer in the 19th over.
England Bowlers Struggle on Flat Track
The English bowling attack had a forgettable outing on a batter-friendly Wankhede track. Adil Rashid and Will Jacks were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each, while Jofra Archer managed one scalp.
However, the pacers proved expensive, with Sam Curran conceding 53 runs in his four overs without success, and Jamie Overton going for 36 in his three overs. Liam Dawson’s solitary over cost 19 runs as the Indian batsmen targeted every bowler with equal disdain.
Axar Patel remained unbeaten on 2, accompanied by Varun Chakravarthy yet to face, as India posted their highest-ever T20 total in a World Cup knockout match.
With 253 runs on the board and the formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh waiting to defend it, England face an uphill task to keep their World Cup dreams alive at the Wankhede Stadium.
