Mumbai, March 6 (NationPress) Captain Harry Brook acknowledged that his failure to catch Sanju Samson was a significant error for his team, as England fell short by seven runs in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Samson was granted a reprieve at 15 runs when Brook dropped a straightforward catch at mid-on from Archer's delivery. The ball was lofted directly to mid-on, a catch Brook typically would secure, but he misjudged it, allowing it to bounce off his right hand and hit the ground.

Following this, the wicketkeeper-batter scored a remarkable 89 runs off 42 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes, helping India reach an impressive total.

"I have to admit, I made a significant mistake dropping Samson," Brook remarked. "Catches win matches, right? Unfortunately, it just didn’t stick in my hands... It weighs on your mind. I kept glancing at the scoreboard as he kept accumulating runs. I thought, 'I need to score 89 tonight,'" he stated during the post-match press conference.

In pursuit of a record target in the semi-final, England started poorly, with Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Brook all back in the pavilion within the first six overs. Despite the early setbacks, England managed to stay competitive.

Jacob Bethell kept England's hopes alive with a brilliant century, attacking the Indian bowlers fearlessly. He began his innings with three consecutive sixes off the mystery spinner Chakaravarthy and maintained the momentum. Although he lost partners frequently, Bethell pushed the game into the final over, eventually being run out after scoring 105 runs off just 48 balls, featuring eight fours and seven sixes.

Brook praised Bethell, noting how he excelled under pressure against a formidable Indian bowling attack on their home ground.

"He is an exceptional player, as demonstrated tonight in a high-pressure environment against India. His innings was phenomenal. He should be immensely proud of his achievements this winter and throughout our summer. He has a bright future with England, and I look forward to spending more time with him," Brook expressed.

India tightened their grip in the closing overs, with Jasprit Bumrah once more proving to be a key player with the ball. Brook reflected on the challenges of facing Bumrah and commended India's fielding performance.

"He is a world-class bowler, arguably the best in history right now. He has been a remarkable bowler for a long time," Brook noted.

A standout moment in fielding ended the 77-run partnership between Bethell and Will Jacks. After three consecutive wides, Arshdeep Singh found the right line outside off, leading to Jacks slicing the ball over cover. Axar Patel sprinted from deep cover, managed to get a hand on the ball just before it crossed the boundary, and relayed it to Shivam Dube, who completed a stunning catch.

"The Indians showcased exceptional fielding. That catch is among the best I’ve seen. Hats off to them," he concluded.