Mumbai, Mar 6 (UNI) India opener Sanju Samson credited patience and clarity after producing a match-winning knock in a high-scoring semi-final that secured India’s place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The wicketkeeper-batsman struck a fluent 89 off 42 balls to propel India to a formidable 253/7 in a game where nearly 500 runs were scored across both innings.
Reflecting on the innings, the 31-year-old said the performance felt like the reward for years of persistence while waiting for opportunities with the national side. “I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country. I just waited with patience, worked on my game and stayed ready for the moment.
“I definitely wanted to come and do what I am trying to do now for the country, contribute, and win games in the World Cup.”
Samson’s knock followed his unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, as back-to-back scores of 97 and 89 at the top helped India defeat the West Indies and England to reach the final. The opener credited his vast experience in the shortest format for the control he showed in both innings.
“I think I’ve been playing this format for a very long time. I have played around 300 or 400 T20s. I have played from top 1 to 6. I have captained a franchise.
“I kind of have the experience of knowing what does a team demand at the moment and what is the exact role of myself in this 11. I think that clarity definitely helps you to score runs the way you want to.”
Despite India’s imposing total, the contest remained tense as England launched a strong counterattack in the chase before India’s bowlers sealed a narrow victory. Youngster Jacob Bethell scored a stunning 105 off 48 balls to keep England in the hunt throughout.
Samson praised Bethell for his effort while also crediting the Indian pace attack for regaining control when it mattered most. “The way Bethell batted and the partnership which they had, I kind of felt here, no, it’s still possible. They needed 13 runs per over. They were getting two boundaries every over. It was very easy for them at the middle stage.
“But the way our bowlers came back, I think the quality which we have in Arshdeep Singh, in Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah – he is a once in a generation bowler which we are very lucky to have.
“I think the way he bowled those six yorkers in line, I think then you have kind of a confidence that no – Bumrah has one over left and Arshdeep has one over left, he will bowl.
“So there was confidence, but at the same time you have to give credit to the England batters also the way they came up, the way they actually studied the conditions and I think we had a great game,” he mentioned.
Speaking about facing Jofra Archer, Samson said he had prepared carefully for the challenge posed by the England quick.
“I think it was definitely playing in my mind. Last time when we played them in home conditions, five games we played England, I think Jofra was definitely a very effective bowler at that time. So I had to do some preparation.
“I had to be a bit more clear in my head how I’m going to face it. And then I think I tried to apply today. So he is definitely a world-class bowler.”
“You need to respect what he does and at the same time you need to be confident as well. I think I was a bit more confident that I just played a really good innings couple of days ago.
“So I think I need to take that confidence forward and that kind of helped me to tackle the bowlers today.”
India will now shift their focus to the final against New Zealand, with Samson eager to complete the job after helping his side take a crucial step towards the title. “One more match, then I’ll feel very light.”
The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, where India will defend the crown they won at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
