India locked horns with England in Semi-Final 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with a place in the final on the line. England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that brought immediate success.

India suffered an early blow as Abhishek Sharma once again failed to convert his start. The left-hander managed just nine runs off seven deliveries before being dismissed, continuing a disappointing run in the tournament. Abhishek has struggled for consistency in this edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, registering three ducks and failing to deliver solid starts at the top when India needed stability the most.

With the pressure mounting in a high-stakes knockout clash, India needed someone to step up and once again, it was Sanju Samson who answered the call.  

Fresh off his unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the Super 8, Samson walked in with confidence and clarity. He began by assessing the conditions but quickly shifted gears, putting the English bowlers under pressure. Displaying a perfect blend of timing, placement, and controlled aggression, Samson reached his half-century in just 26 balls at a staggering strike rate of200.

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His knock ensured India recovered from the early setback and maintained momentum through the middle overs. In a match where the stakes could not have been higher, Samson’s fearless approach and calculated stroke play brought much-needed stability and intent to the innings.  

With yet another impactful performance in a crunch game, Sanju Samson once again proved his value to the side, guiding India to a competitive position and keeping their hopes alive in this crucial semi-final encounter.