Sanju Samson created a big moment in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by matching a long standing record held by Virat Kohli. The wicketkeeper batter scored 89 runs in the semi final against England, equalling the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Samson’s knock came from just 42 balls and played a key role for India in a high pressure knockout game. With this innings, he joined Kohli at the top of the list for the highest score by an Indian in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Sanju Samson Matches Virat Kohli’s Record
Before Samson’s performance, the record belonged to Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 89 off 47 balls against West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi final. Kohli’s knock had remained the highest score by an Indian in a knockout match for years.
Samson’s 89 now stands alongside Kohli’s innings in the record books. His aggressive approach included eight fours and seven sixes, showing complete control during the innings.
The innings ended in the 14th over when Will Jacks dismissed him, but by then Samson had already made a big impact on the match.
Highest Scores By India In T20 World Cup Knockouts
| Player | Date | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s | Against | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 31-03-2016 | 89* | 47 | 11/1 | West Indies | Mumbai (WS) |
| Sanju Samson | 5-03-2026 | 89 | 42 | 8/7 | England | Mumbai (WS) |
| Virat Kohli | 6-04-2014 | 77 | 58 | 5/4 | Sri Lanka | Mirpur |
| Virat Kohli | 29-06-2024 | 76 | 59 | 6/2 | South Africa | Bridgetown |
| Gautam Gambhir | 24-09-2007 | 75 | 54 | 8/2 | Pakistan | Johannesburg |
Samson’s Knock Among India’s Best Knockout Performances
Knockout matches in the T20 World Cup often bring intense pressure, making big scores even more valuable. Sanju Samson’s innings now ranks among the best performances by an Indian batter in these crucial matches.
By equalling Virat Kohli’s record, Samson has added his name to an elite list of players who have delivered standout performances when the stakes were highest.
His 89 against England will be remembered as one of the most important innings by an Indian batter in T20 World Cup knockout history.
