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India 253/7 vs England: Samson’s Firestorm Rocks Semi-Final

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India 

“Runs Rained in Mumbai – Samson’s Storm Sets 254-Run Mountain for England!”

Match Overview

India delivered a stunning batting performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 2nd semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 5. After being sent in to bat by England captain Harry Brook, India piled up a massive 253/7 in 20 overs, setting England a daunting target of 254 runs.

The innings was powered by explosive stroke play, rapid partnerships, and a spectacular knock from Sanju Samson.

India’s Explosive Innings

India started aggressively despite losing an early wicket. The powerplay set the tone for the innings, with runs flowing at a rapid pace.

  • Powerplay Score: 67/1 (6 overs)
  • 100 Runs: Reached in 8.3 overs
  • 150 Runs: Reached in 12.4 overs
  • 200 Runs: Reached in 16.5 overs
  • Final Score: 253/7 in 20 overs

The quick scoring ensured England faced one of the biggest chases in T20 World Cup semi-final history.

Sanju Samson’s Match-Defining Knock

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson played a sensational innings that turned the semi-final into a batting spectacle.

  • Runs: 89
  • Balls: 42
  • Fours: 8
  • Sixes: 2
  • Strike Rate: 211.90
  • 50: Reached in just 26 balls

This was Samson’s 5th T20I half-century and came shortly after his unbeaten 97* against West Indies in the previous match, highlighting his exceptional form in the tournament.

Key Moments of the Innings

Several crucial moments shaped India’s massive total:

  • Samson was dropped on 15 by Harry Brook in the 2.2 over.
  • Hardik Pandya survived a chance when Tom Banton dropped him on 13 in the 17.4 over.
  • A blistering partnership between Samson and Ishan Kishan accelerated the scoring rate.

Ishan Kishan played an impactful cameo:

  • 39 runs off 18 balls
  • 4 fours and 2 sixes

Fall of Wickets

India lost wickets intermittently but maintained momentum throughout the innings.

  • 20/1 – Abhishek Sharma (1.6 overs)
  • 67/1 – End of powerplay
  • 160/3 – Drinks break (13.1 overs)
  • Final Score – 253/7

England Bowling Highlights:

  • Will Jacks – 1/8
  • Jofra Archer – 0/16

Early England Response

England began their chase aggressively but lost an early wicket while chasing the daunting target.

  • Score: 31/1 after 2.4 overs
  • Run Rate Required: 12.7 runs per over

The massive target puts immense pressure on England’s batting lineup.

Match Context & Playing Squads

India Squad:

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

England Squad:

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

What This Means for the Semi-Final

With 254 runs required in 120 balls, England faces one of the toughest chases in T20 World Cup knockout history.

If India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, can apply early pressure, the team could secure a place in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final.

However, England’s explosive batting lineup means the match is far from over, setting up an electrifying finish at Wankhede.

 

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Ashton Turner’s BBL Knock That Shook Cricket Fans

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Ashton Turner99 Not Out, But 100% Unforgettable!

Cricket doesn’t always need a century to create history — sometimes, 99 is louder than 100.

On December 29, 2025, Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner produced one of the most thrilling innings of the BBL 2025–26 season, smashing an unbeaten 99 off just 41 balls against the Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
The crowd watched in disbelief as Turner unleashed eight fours and eight towering sixes, turning a struggling innings into pure fireworks.

⚡ An Explosive Rescue Act

Walking in at number five, Turner took charge when the Scorchers needed momentum. His fearless stroke play powered Perth to a competitive 202/8 in 20 overs.

This knock marked:

  • His 17th T20 half-century

  • His 14th BBL fifty

  • One of the most dramatic near-centuries in league history

The heartbreak?
Turner was left stranded on 99* in the final over as no runs came off the last balls — a cruel twist in an otherwise magical night.

Aaron Hardie played the perfect supporting role, smashing 28 off 16 balls to supercharge the death overs.

🏏 A Rare and Painful BBL Record

Turner entered a rare BBL club — batters who ended unbeaten on 99.

Only four players in BBL history have suffered this fate:

  • Shaun Marsh (99* – 2011)

  • Josh Philippe (99* – 2021)

  • Colin Munro (99* – 2023)

  • Ashton Turner (99 – 2025)*

Among Scorchers players, Turner is just the second after Marsh.

✍️ Fresh Signing, Fresh Spotlight

Earlier this month, on December 15, 2025, Turner was signed by Leicestershire for the 2026 T20 Blast.
The 32-year-old reunites with coach Alfonso Thomas, bringing:

  • 3,800+ T20 runs

  • Experience from leagues in India, Pakistan, and South Africa

  • Leadership from years with the Scorchers

🔁 A Career That Refuses to Fade

Born on January 25, 1993, in Perth, Turner may not have a T20 century in 243 matches, but his impact remains undeniable.
From his iconic 2019 ODI chase vs India to captaining the Scorchers, Turner continues to prove one thing:

👉 Form fades. Class doesn’t.

This unforgettable 99 keeps Ashton Turner firmly in the headlines — and reminds the cricket world why he’s still box-office material.

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From IPL Snub to Test Supremacy: Devon Conway’s Perfect Answer to Critics

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Devon Conway

Ignored at the auction. Unstoppable in whites.

Devon Conway has once again proved why class never depends on contracts. Just a day after going unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, the New Zealand opener silenced every doubt with a magnificent Test century against West Indies, turning disappointment into dominance.

IPL Auction Shock That Grabbed Headlines

On December 16 in Abu Dhabi, Devon Conway surprisingly went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, despite setting a base price of ₹2 crore. The decision came months after Chennai Super Kings released him as part of a major rebuild following their disappointing IPL 2025 campaign.

Conway’s emotional farewell message to CSK fans reflected his strong three-year journey with the franchise — a phase defined by consistency, calm batting, and match-winning knocks. The auction snub shocked fans, but Conway’s response came where it mattered the most — on the field.

A Century That Spoke Louder Than Words

Starting December 17 at Mount Maunganui, Conway delivered a statement performance in the third Test against West Indies. Opening alongside Tom Latham, he smashed a brilliant 120 runs, forming a massive 323-run opening partnership — the highest opening stand in World Test Championship history and New Zealand’s best for any wicket.

Conway reached his sixth Test century in just 149 balls, laced with 17 crisp boundaries. By stumps on Day 1, New Zealand stood tall at 216 without loss, firmly in control of the match and the series.

Why This Knock Matters

This was Conway’s first Test century against West Indies, achieved after returning from a thumb injury that had earlier sidelined him. The innings highlighted his mental toughness, adaptability, and elite red-ball technique — traits that separate good players from great ones.

With over 2,000 Test runs to his name, Conway continues to reinforce his reputation as one of the most reliable top-order batters in modern Test cricket — regardless of franchise outcomes.

FAQs

❓ What has happened to Devon Conway?

Devon Conway recently went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction but responded immediately with a stunning Test century against West Indies, proving his form and resilience.

❓ Is Devon Conway retired out of the IPL?

No. Devon Conway is not retired from the IPL. Going unsold in an auction does not mean retirement, and he remains available for future IPL seasons.

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Cooper Connolly Australia’s Rising All-Rounder Creating IPL Auction Buzz

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Cooper Connolly Australia’s Rising All-Rounder Creating IPL Auction Buzz
Cooper Connolly, the 22-year-old Australian left-arm spinning all-rounder, is fast becoming one of the most talked-about young cricketers in world cricket. With strong performances across domestic leagues and international matches, Connolly is now firmly on the radar ahead of the IPL Auction 2025.

BBL Impact for Perth Scorchers

Connolly made a powerful statement in the Big Bash League season opener on December 13, 2025, starring for the Perth Scorchers against the Sydney Sixers. In a rain-affected 11-over match in Perth, he smashed a crucial half-century that guided the Scorchers to a five-wicket victory.

The knock showcased his calm mindset under pressure and his ability to adapt quickly — qualities that separate good players from match-winners in modern T20 cricket.

IPL Auction 2025: Teams Watching Closely

With the IPL Auction scheduled for December 16, 2025, Connolly’s name is generating serious buzz. Franchises like Lucknow Super Giants, coached by former Australia opener Justin Langer, and Gujarat Titans are reportedly interested in his all-round skills.

His recent form has strengthened his case:

  • 88 runs off 92 balls for Australia A against England Lions

  • Consistent performances during the Australia A tour of India

  • Growing confidence against quality spin and pace attacks

These performances have positioned Connolly as a valuable overseas option who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Strong International Progress

Connolly already has caps in all three formats and made his Test debut in Sri Lanka earlier in 2025. In the recent ODI series against India, he played a match-turning role in Adelaide, helping Australia chase 265 after being 132/4, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

He continues to sharpen his slow left-arm orthodox bowling, picking up wickets in the Sheffield Shield, while also eyeing a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, especially with the tournament set to be played in India and Sri Lanka.

Future Leader for the Scorchers

Beyond personal success, Connolly is emerging as a future leader for the Perth Scorchers, the most successful team in BBL history. After missing the finals last season, he is determined to help the franchise bounce back.

“We’ve got a special group and we’re hoping to bring back a title for the fans,” Connolly said.

With momentum on his side, strong performances in the BBL and growing IPL interest, Cooper Connolly’s rise looks just getting started.

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