On a batting paradise at the Wankhede Stadium, Sanju Samson produced a commanding display to steer India into the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, powering the defending champions to a dramatic seven-run victory over England.

After being put in to bat, India piled up a formidable total with Samson leading the charge with a fluent 89, an innings that blended elegance with power on a surface tailor-made for stroke play. Boundaries flowed freely as India built a strong platform in a match that ultimately produced a staggering 499 runs.

Samson’s knock anchored the innings while allowing India’s power hitters to play with freedom around him. His timing, placement and ability to find gaps kept the scoreboard racing and ensured India posted a total that would test England’s aggressive batting line-up.

But the Kerala batter, who collected his second successive Player-of-the-Match award, was quick to credit India’s bowlers for defending the total.

“All credit goes to Jasprit Bumrah,” Samson said after the match. “He is a world-class bowler, a once-in-a-generation talent. What he delivered today was special. This award actually belongs to him.”

On a flat Wankhede track where England threatened to chase down the target, Bumrah’s spell proved decisive. The fast bowler returned figures of 1 for 33 in four overs, applying pressure in the death overs and ultimately helping India hold their nerve.

“If he hadn’t bowled the way he did in the death overs, I probably wouldn’t be standing here,” Samson added. “The bowlers backed themselves in very tough conditions, and that made the difference.”

India captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed the sentiment, praising Bumrah’s composure and experience in crunch moments.

“You know what he is capable of and what he has done for India over the years,” Suryakumar said. “He once again stepped up, took responsibility and showed great character to pull the game away from them.”

Yet the evening will be remembered for Samson’s authority with the bat. Long regarded as one of India’s most naturally gifted players, he delivered when it mattered most — in a World Cup semi-final under immense pressure.

His innings at Wankhede was not just about flair but about responsibility — pacing the innings, absorbing pressure and setting the tone for India’s total.

If Samson’s recent performances are any indication, India may have found their big-match match-winner at the perfect time as they head into the final against New Zealand.