Sanju Samson's Stellar Performance Leads India to Victory Over West Indies in T20 World Cup

In a crucial T20 World Cup match, Sanju Samson's outstanding performance with an unbeaten 97 runs led India to a five-wicket victory over West Indies. This win secured India's place in the semifinals, showcasing a thrilling chase at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Despite a shaky start, Samson's aggressive batting and key partnerships turned the game in India's favor. The West Indies set a challenging target of 195 runs, but India's strong response, highlighted by Samson's masterclass, ensured their advancement in the tournament. The upcoming match against England promises to be another exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 23:40 IST

Samson's Heroics Propel India to Semifinals

In a thrilling encounter at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, Sanju Samson's remarkable unbeaten 97 runs guided Team India to a five-wicket victory against West Indies, securing their place in the T20 World Cup semifinals on Sunday.

Choosing to bowl first, India saw West Indies post a challenging total of 195 runs for four wickets, bolstered by a rapid 76-run partnership between Jason Holder (37 runs off 22 balls) and Rovman Powell (34 runs off 19 balls). Despite a shaky start at 41 for 2, Samson's stellar innings of 97 off 50 balls, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, turned the game in India's favor. Tilak Varma contributed significantly with a quick 27 runs off 15 balls. India's next match is against England in Mumbai on March 5.

Samson's Masterclass Guides India's Chase

India began their chase of 196 runs positively, with Abhishek Sharma hitting boundaries off Akael Hosein and Matthew Forde in the opening overs. Samson quickly made his mark, hitting Akael for a four followed by two sixes, but Abhishek fell for 10 runs, caught by Shimron Hetmyer, leaving India at 29 for 1.

Ishan Kishan managed only 10 runs before being dismissed, leaving India at 41 for 2. Samson's aggressive batting helped India reach 50 runs in just over five overs, concluding the powerplay at 53 for 2.

In the eighth and ninth overs, Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav scored freely, with Samson reaching his fifty in just 26 balls, showcasing his attacking style with six fours and three sixes. However, Suryakumar's dismissal for 18 runs brought India to 99 for 3.

Tilak Varma and Samson continued to build momentum, but Tilak was caught for 27 runs, leaving India at 141 for 4. Hardik Pandya joined Samson, but was dismissed for 17 runs, leaving India needing seven runs in the final over. Samson sealed the match with a six and a four, finishing the chase at 199 for 5.

West Indies Innings

Earlier, West Indies set a competitive total of 195 for 4, thanks to a strong partnership between Jason Holder and Rovman Powell. Powell scored 34 runs off 19 balls, while Holder contributed 37 runs off 22 balls.

In a crucial match for semifinal qualification, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to field first after winning the toss. West Indies' opening pair, Shai Hope and Roston Chase, started steadily, but the innings shifted when Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Hope for 32 runs. Jasprit Bumrah's double strike, taking out Hetmyer and Chase, swung the momentum back to India.

Despite losing wickets, Holder and Powell's partnership revitalized the innings, with Powell hitting a record 150 sixes in T20Is. The West Indies finished their innings with a strong total, but it wasn't enough to secure victory.

Brief Scores

West Indies: 195/4 in 20 overs (Roston Chase 40, Jason Holder 37*; Jasprit Bumrah 2/36) lost to India: 199/5 in 19.2 overs (Sanju Samson 97*, Tilak Varma 27, Jason Holder 2/38).