Sanju Samson Sets New T20 World Cup Record for India Against West Indies
Samson Breaks Kohli's Record
In a remarkable performance, Indian cricketer Sanju Samson surpassed Virat Kohli's record by achieving the highest individual score for India in a successful T20 World Cup run-chase.
This milestone was reached on Sunday at Kolkata's Eden Gardens during a match that served as a virtual quarterfinal, determining the last semifinalist.
Samson scored an impressive 97 runs off 50 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes, thereby eclipsing Kohli's previous best of 82 not out against Australia in 2016 and Pakistan in 2022.
Notably, this was the first time in 29 innings as an opener in IPL and T20Is that Samson remained unbeaten until the end.
Team India's New Achievements
This victory marks India's highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history, surpassing their previous record of 173 runs against South Africa in 2014.
With this win, India has now made it to the semifinals for the sixth time in T20 World Cup history, tying with Pakistan and England for the most semifinal appearances.
Samson's innings is also the second-highest individual score for India in T20 World Cup history, following Suresh Raina's 101 against South Africa in 2010.
Match Overview: India vs West Indies
In the match, India won the toss and chose to field first. The West Indies started strong with an opening partnership of 68 runs between Roston Chase (40 runs off 25 balls) and captain Shai Hope (32 runs off 33 balls).
However, they faltered to 119/4 in 14.1 overs, despite a quick 27 runs from Shimron Hetmyer.
A late surge from Jason Holder (37 not out off 22 balls) and Powell (34 not out off 19 balls) propelled the West Indies to a total of 195/4 in their 20 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking 2 wickets for 36 runs in four overs, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya both conceded 40 runs in their spells.
During the chase, India faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 41/2. However, a crucial 58-run partnership between Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (18 runs) steadied the innings.
Samson then formed partnerships with Tilak Varma (27 runs off 15 balls), Hardik Pandya (17 runs), and Shivam Dube (8 not out), leading India to a five-wicket victory with five wickets remaining.