My immense experience in T20s is coming good: Sanju Samson

Mumbai: India opener Sanju Samson scored 89 runs (42 balls; 8x4s, 7x6s) and Jasprit Bumrah produced a tight spell (1/33) in a game where 499 runs were scored by both sides but it was Axar Patel's two catches that turned the match on its head as India earned a seven-run win to move into T20 World Cup title clash against New Zealand.

India had notched 253/7 in 20 overs and in response England ended their innings at 246/7 in 20 overs. Jacob Bethell scored 105 off 48 balls (8x4s, 7x6s).

Patel's two catches removed very important players. First, he took a catch at extra cover running backwards to get rid of skipper Harry Brook who was dismissed for seven inside powerplay. Then when Will Jacks (35 off 20) and Bethell were taking England towards the target, Patel took a running catch at deep point boundary and lobbed it to Shivam Dube before going out of play. England became 172/5 and the last recognised batting pair of Bethell and Sam Curran then had to play watchfully to ensure there was no loss of wicket. That also cost them some scoring opportunities.

In the end, the target proved too much.

Samson, who got the Player of the Match Award, credited patience and clarity after a match-winning knock.

Reflecting on his innings, the 31-year-old said the moment felt like the reward for years of persistence and hard work while waiting for opportunities with the national side.

“I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country. I just waited with patience, worked on my game and stayed ready for the moment," Samson was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC) website. 

“I definitely wanted to come and do what I am trying to do now for the country, contribute, and win games in the World Cup.

Samson has contributed with back-to-back scores of 97* and 89 at the top for India, that have helped them beat the West Indies and England to reach the final.

Samson credited the vast experience that he’s had in the shortest format for the way he controlled his knock in both games.

“I think I've been playing this format for a very long time. I have played around 300 or 400 T20s. I have played from top 1 to 6. I have captained a franchise.

“I kind of have the experience of knowing what does a team demand at the moment and what is the exact role of myself in this 11. I think that clarity definitely helps you to score runs the way you want to.”

Despite India's imposing total, the contest remained tense as England launched a strong counterattack in the chase before India’s bowlers sealed a narrow victory. Bethell scored a stunning 105 off 48 that kept England in the hunt throughout.

Samson praised the England youngster for his effort, while also crediting the Indian pacers for containing it when needed.

“The way Bethell batted and the partnership which they had, I kind of felt here, no, it's still possible. They needed 13 runs per over. They were getting two boundaries every over. It was very easy for them at the middle stage.

“But the way our bowlers came back, I think the quality which we have in Arshdeep, in Hardik and Bumrah - he is a once in a generation bowler which we are very lucky to have.

“I think the way he bowled those six yorkers in line, I think then you have kind of a confidence that no - Bumrah has one over left and Arshdeep has one over left, he will bowl.

“So there was confidence, but at the same time you have to give credit to the England batters also the way they came up, the way they actually studied the conditions and I think we had a great game,” he mentioned.

Speaking about facing pace bowler Jofra Archer, Samson said he had prepared carefully for the challenge posed by the England quick.

“I think it was definitely playing in my mind. Last time when we played them in home conditions, five games we played England, I think Jofra was definitely a very effective bowler at that time. So I had to do some preparation.

“I had to be a bit more clear in my head how I'm going to face it. And then I think I tried to apply today. So he is definitely a world-class bowler.”

“You need to respect what he does and at the same time you need to be confident as well. I think I was a bit more confident that I just played a really good innings couple of days ago.

“So I think I need to take that confidence forward and that kind of helped me to tackle the bowlers today.”

India will now shift their focus to the final against New Zealand, with Samson eager to complete the job after helping his side take a crucial step towards the title.

“One more match, then I’ll feel very light.”

Tags : Sanju Samson, T20 World Cup, Cricket, New Zealand, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah