Mumbai: Sanju Samson, fresh from his explosive knock that powered India to a thrilling seven-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup semi-final, humbly deflected praise for his Player of the Match award, insisting the real hero was Jasprit Bumrah.
India posted a mammoth 253/7 after being sent in to bat at the Wankhede Stadium, with Samson smashing a fiery 89 off just 42 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes. The innings set up a record-breaking target in knockout stages and kept England under pressure throughout their chase.
Despite a valiant effort from England, who reached 246/7, India’s death bowling — led by Bumrah’s miserly spells — proved decisive. Bumrah conceded only eight runs in his 16th over and a mere six in the crucial 18th, swinging the momentum decisively in India’s favour and booking their spot in the final for the fourth time overall and second consecutively.
In the post-match presentation, Samson, visibly emotional, credited Bumrah entirely for the triumph. “The entire credit for this victory goes to Bumrah; he is a once-in-a-generation bowler. I feel this award should go to him,” Samson said. He added poignantly, “If Bumrah wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
Captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Bumrah’s world-class execution under pressure.
The win sets up a blockbuster final clash, with India eyeing their second consecutive T20 World Cup crown.