A sublime unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson powered India into the T20 World Cup semi finals with a five wicket win over West Indies national cricket team in a virtual quarter final in Kolkata.
Chasing 196, India finished on 199 for 5, completing their highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history. Samson’s 97 not out off 50 balls was an innings of control rather than chaos, measured strokeplay under pressure in a must win match.
Earlier, West Indies posted 195 for 4 but would rue a sluggish 32 off 33 balls from captain Shai Hope. While the middle order unleashed a barrage of sixes, Hope struggled to accelerate against Axar Patel, consuming deliveries during a phase when momentum was crucial.
Roston Chase made 40 and Jason Holder finished unbeaten on 37, but India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah with 2 for 36, kept the total within reach despite a late surge.
India’s chase wobbled early as Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan fell inside the powerplay. Yet Samson remained composed, reaching his fifty in 26 balls and managing the tempo expertly. Even when Suryakumar Yadav struggled for fluency, Samson ensured the required rate never spiralled.
A vital cameo of 27 off 15 from Tilak Varma shifted the momentum decisively, and despite a brief late scare, Samson sealed victory with a six and a four in the final over.
As he dropped to his knees in celebration, India’s campaign had been revived. The gamble to back Samson as opener had paid off when it mattered most, sending India into the knockouts with belief and momentum.