The Indian wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson looks to have rediscovered himself since the match against West Indies in Kolkata, which was technically a decider for India for the semifinal qualification. Despite a shambolic batting performance, Samson held the nerve and took India to the mark. The same followed in the semifinal, with assistance from Shivam Dube and a few cameos down the order. And the carnage is untouched in the final match in Ahmedabad. India is facing New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the hosts already trembling and misfielding the line, and the Indian batters are making full use of it. Amid that, Sanju Samson became the third male batter to have a half-century in both the T20 World Cup semifinals and final. In the semifinal, he scored 89* of 42 runs. And her, in the final, he is batting at 88* off 44 balls before the second drinks break is taken. Earlier, it was Virat Kohli who achieved the feat in 2014 and Shahid Afridi from Pakistan in 2009. Players with 50s in Semis and Final (Same Edition) Player Edition Semifinal Score Final score Shahid Afridi (PAK) 2009 51 (34) vs South Africa 54 (40)* vs Sri Lanka Virat Kohli (IND) 2014 72 (44)* vs South Africa 77 (58) vs Sri Lanka Sanju Samson (IND) 2026 89 (42) vs England 89 (42) vs New Zealand Read also: Abhishek Sharma comes back in form right in time, gets the fastest fifty of the 2026 t20 World Cup in final against NZ Samson dismissed at 89 off 42 However, in the very first ball of the sixteenth over, his innings came to an end when he attempted to clear the boundary off a high full toss. Looking to go straight down the ground, he mistimed the shot, and the ball travelled towards long-on. Substitute fielder Cole McConchie judged it well and completed a fine catch to dismiss the Indian batter. Samson walked back to a standing ovation after his crucial knock, having played a key role in India’s innings. Although he fell short of a century, his innings had already made a significant impact, as the unexpected height of the delivery prevented him from generating the power he intended. Sanju actually started slower, giving space to Abhishek Sharma, who also got a half century after waiting throughout the tournament. Later, Ishan Kishan joined him for another 50+ partnership. Sanju's innings featured 5 boundaries nad 8 sixes at a strike rate of 193.47.