Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium witnessed a batting fireworks display on Thursday (March 5) as India set an enormous total against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal. The high-scoring contest has now put England in front of one of the toughest chasing tasks ever seen in the tournament.
Sanju Samson leads India’s explosive batting show
After England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to bowl first, India made full use of the batting-friendly conditions. Opener Sanju Samson played a match-defining knock, smashing 89 runs from just 42 balls. His quick runs, filled with clean hits and big sixes, gave India the perfect start.
The middle-order batsmen kept the momentum going, helping the team reach 253/7 in their full 20 overs. This score is now the highest total ever posted in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Highest successful chase in T20 World Cup knockout
If England succeeds in chasing 254, it would shatter the existing record of 193 runs, achieved by the West Indies against India in the 2016 semifinal at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In that iconic clash, West Indies chased down India’s 192 with ease, powered by explosive batting, marking one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets.
