Jacob Bethell Blasts Record Century in T20 World Cup Semi-Final Thriller
MUMBAI – In a high-octane semi-final clash at the Wankhede Stadium, England’s emerging star Jacob Bethell produced one of the most explosive innings in tournament history, scoring a century off just 45 balls against the India national cricket team on Thursday. Despite his heroics, England fell agonizingly short, losing by seven runs in a match that saw a combined 499 runs scored.
Chasing a formidable target of 254 to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 final, England finished on 246 for seven. The defeat overshadowed a landmark performance by the left-handed Bethell, who re-wrote the record books for English cricket in the shortest format.
Bethell Sets New England Benchmark
Entering the fray with England facing a steep required run rate, Bethell attacked immediately. He reached his century in 45 balls, establishing a new record for the fastest hundred by an England batter in T20 World Cup history. His innings of 105 from 48 balls kept England in the hunt against the odds.
Earlier in his knock, Jacob Bethell reached his half-century in just 19 balls. This effort equals the record for the fastest fifty in a T20 World Cup knockout match, leveling with New Zealand’s Finn Allen, who achieved the mark against South Africa in the first semi-final of this tournament. It also eclipsed the previous fastest fifty by an England player in the competition, set by Will Jacks (21 balls) against Italy.
Fastest Centuries in T20 World Cup History (By Balls Faced)
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Finn Allen (NZ) | South Africa | Kolkata | 2026 |
| 45 | Jacob Bethell (ENG) | India | Mumbai | 2026 |
| 47 | Chris Gayle (WI) | England | Mumbai | 2016 |
| 50 | Chris Gayle (WI) | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| 50 | Harry Brook (ENG) | Pakistan | Pallekele | 2026 |
India Survives Despite Historic Chase
India’s victory was set up by a dominant first-innings performance. The hosts posted 253, driven by a blistering 89 off 42 balls from Sanju Samson. Contributions from Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma ensured the bowlers had a substantial total to defend. The match aggregate of 499 runs stands as the second-highest in men’s T20 Internationals.
Bowling Decides the Contest
While the batters dominated the headlines, India’s bowlers delivered crucial breakthroughs at pivotal moments. Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets to disrupt England’s momentum. Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as the premier fast bowler in the format, returned disciplined figures of 1 for 33 amidst the carnage, proving to be the difference between the two sides.
For official tournament statistics and upcoming fixtures, visit the ICC T20 World Cup official site or follow updates via the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).