Sanju Samson's T20 World Cup heroics have sparked a debate about the highest run-scorers in semi-finals and finals. While he holds the record for the most runs in a T20 World Cup semi-final and final with 188, the question remains: who holds the overall record for the most runs in a World Cup semi-final and final? The answer is more complex than one might expect, as the distinction varies between men's and women's cricket, and between T20Is and 50-over matches.
In the men's T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson's 188 runs is a remarkable feat, surpassing the previous record of 149 set by Virat Kohli in 2014. However, when considering the broader context of World Cup semi-finals and finals, the record becomes more nuanced. Muhammad Waseem of the United Arab Emirates holds the record for the most runs in a T20I semi-final and final, amassing 192 runs in the World Cup Qualifier in 2022. In the 50-over format, Travis Head of Australia holds the record with 199 runs, achieved in the 2023 World Cup.
The story is different in the women's game. Australia's Alyssa Healy holds the record for the most runs in a World Cup semi-final and final, with an astonishing 299 runs. This record was set in the 2022 World Cup, where Healy hit 129 runs against the West Indies and 170 runs in the final against England. South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt came close with 169 runs in the semi-final and 101 runs in the final of the 2025 World Cup.
The T20I format has seen some unique records as well. In a recent match, Lesotho's innings of 60 runs included just one four and one six, raising the question of whether this was a record for the fewest boundaries in a completed T20 innings. In fact, the record for the fewest boundaries in a completed T20 innings is held by Ivory Coast, who were bowled out for 7 runs by Nigeria in 2024, with no boundaries at all.
The T20 World Cup has been a highly competitive tournament, with India becoming the first host nation to win the title and retain it. This achievement has been replicated by Australia in the 50-over format, who won the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad. However, the women's T20 World Cup has seen a different pattern, with England and Australia sharing the hosting and winning records.
The question of the highest run-scorers in World Cup semi-finals and finals is a fascinating one, revealing the nuances and variations in different cricket formats and tournaments. It highlights the diverse achievements and records in the sport, and the ongoing evolution of cricket as a global phenomenon.
