Former South African captain Faf du Plessis reckons England bowlers can look to target Sanju Samson with short deliveries in the semifinal clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Samson had scored a majestic knock of 97 runs off just 50 balls against the West Indies in the virtual quarterfinal and he is going to hold the key. 

Meanwhile, Samson was targeted with short balls in the five-match series against England in 2025 when he could only manage 51 runs in five games. Samson would look to carry his rich form against England and he would want to deliver in the all-important contest.

Faf du Plessis said on ESPN Cricinfo, “That’s always been the one area where you feel, with Sanju, you can attack him, and it’s with high pace. He’s very strong in the tummy area, where that backswing is just beautiful. But 140-plus, if you get it nice and high, you feel like there’s a little window where you can attack him. It’s a weakness. So there’s the evidence in England, so they’ll have the blueprint.

“Sanju will know what’s coming, so for him now it’s – how do I counter it? What am I going to do when Archer comes short at me? Am I attacking it or are there other bowlers, where I can just play them a little bit better?” the former Proteas skipper added.

On the other hand, former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble said Samson’s match-winning knock against the West Indies would give him a lot of confidence.

He said, “He’s certainly used his opportunity really well in winning the player of the match and ensuring that Team India went into the semifinal on a superlative knock – perfect run chase, was in total control. It should give him a lot of confidence going into the semifinal. And at the Wankhede again, if it’s a true Wankhede pitch, I’m sure the batters will love it because the ball will come on to you.”

India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.