Top 5 highest individual scores in T20 World Cup semi-finals

After two epic semifinal clashes in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, we have the two finalists of the marquee event: India and New Zealand. India beat England by seven runs in an epic thriller at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, to seal their spot. 

On the other hand, New Zealand thumped South Africa with a nine-wicket win to qualify. The encounters lived up to their expectations, as both of them had some of the finest performances in the history of T20 World Cups, especially by the batters. 

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best knocks by batters in the semifinal clashes over the years.

Here are the 5 highest individual scores in a T20 WC semi-final

5. Sanju Samson - 89 runs vs England, 2026 

Coming in at number five is India’s enigmatic opener Sanju Samson. After losing his place in the playing XI just before the World Cup, Sanju Samson has come back with a bang. The Indians were invited to bat first by Harry Brook in this all-important clash at the Wankhede Stadium, and what followed was history by Sanju Samson.

Coming off after a career-defining knock against the West Indies in the Super 8s, Samson came out all guns blazing against the Three Lions. Despite losing his opening partner Abhishek Sharma early, he did not slow down his innings, scoring 89 runs off just 42 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes. He was named Player of the Match for this epic knock.

4. Virat Kohli - 89* runs vs West Indies, 2016 

Yet another batting masterclass by an Indian batter at the semi-final at Wankhede. Coming in to bat at number three, he produced one of the finest knocks by an Indian at the grandest stage, in front of a home crowd. Virat Kohli put on a batting masterclass, scoring 89 off 47 balls, including 11 fours and a six.

The knock was instrumental in the Men in Blue putting 192 runs on board in their 20 overs. He remained not out. India eventually lost this contest, but this innings by the Indian maestro was one for the history books.

3. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 96* vs West Indies, 2009 

Sri Lanka’s opener Tillakaratne Dilshan takes the third spot. He played this match-winning knock of 96 runs during his side’s semifinal clash against the West Indies in 2009. After being invited to bat first, Dilshan was scintillating as he took his side to a competitive total of 158 runs in their 20 overs.

His innings included 12 fours and two sixes, as he was also named Player of the Match for his epic knock. Sri Lanka won the contest by 57 runs and booked their place in the finals of the event.

2. Finn Allen – 100* vs South Africa, 2026 

The Kiwi opener ran riot in this semifinal encounter against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chasing a modest target of 170, Allen produced one of the best knocks of his life, scoring the fastest in T20 World Cup history, reaching the milestone in just 33 balls.

His innings included 10 fours and eight mammoth sixes, as he helped his team chase down the target in just 12.5 overs. Allen remained not out on 100 and was named Player of the Match for this outstanding knock.

1. Jacob Bethell - 105 vs India, 2026 

It was a knock for the ages by the English youngster at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, as he lit up the stadium with an epic knock of 105 against the home side. England were chasing a mammoth target of 254 against the Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian bowling attack.

Coming in to bat at number four, Jacob Bethell took Varun Chakravarthy to the cleaners, hitting three consecutive sixes off him, and that was enough evidence that he is here to make history. In one of the most courageous batting displays in T20I history, the left-hander scored 105 runs in just 48 deliveries.