Kolkata’s Eden Gardens witnessed a masterclass from Sanju Samson as India stunned West Indies by 5 wickets in a high-scoring T20 World Cup thriller, clinching a semi-final berth for 2026 edition. The Caribbean side’s 195/4 looked daunting, but Samson’s brilliance made light work of it, rewriting record books in the process.
Roston Chase top-scored with 40 for West Indies, while Holder remained not out on 37. India’s top order wobbled with Abhishek Sharma (10), Ishan Kishan (10 off 6), Suryakumar Yadav (18), and Tilak Varma (27) all falling cheaply. Enter Samson, who faced 50 balls, smashing 12 boundaries and 4 sixes to remain unbeaten on 97.
This innings not only sealed a famous chase in 19.2 overs but also broke India’s 12-year chase record from 2014 against South Africa (173). Samson’s score now holds the record for India’s best in a T20 WC chase, surpassing Kohli’s 82*. The third-highest chase overall in tournament history, it showcased India’s depth and resilience.
Hardik Pandya chipped in with 17 in a key partnership. India, reaching semis for the sixth time, faces England on March 5. This victory underscores their evolution under Yadav’s leadership, blending aggression with composure for another shot at the title.