The Eden Gardens is set for an electrifying T20 World Cup Super 8 decider on March 1, pitting India against West Indies in a match that could define their tournament fate. Both teams need victory to advance to semifinals, turning this into high-octane cricket.
Caribbean flair shone in the group phase with an unbeaten run, but Super 8 brought reality: a humiliating 9-wicket loss to South Africa following a win over Zimbabwe. India mirrored the path, losing first to South Africa before demolishing Zimbabwe by 72 runs.
No room for complacency in Kolkata. The ghosts of 2016 loom large – a semifinal stunner at Wankhede where Kohli’s masterful 89 anchored India’s 192/2. West Indies, unfazed, romped home with Simmons’ fireworks (82* off 51) and Russell’s pyrotechnics (43 off 20), clinching a 7-wicket win and eventual title over England.
Darren Sammy, that triumph’s captain, now coaches West Indies, adding intrigue. India fields battle-tested warriors like Pandya and Bumrah from that fateful XI, primed to dismantle the West Indian juggernaut.
Home advantage meets historical baggage. Expect tactical masterstrokes, explosive batting, and bowling fireworks as India chases redemption. Will the Men in Blue exorcise their demons, or will West Indies relive past glory? The answer lies in Kolkata’s cauldron.