At a packed Eden Gardens, India held their nerve in a high-scoring thriller to defeat West Indies by five wickets in the Super 8 Group 1 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a daunting 196, the Men in Blue rode on a breathtaking 97 from Sanju Samson to seal the contest with four balls to spare and storm into the semi-finals.
West Indies post imposing 195 after late surge
After India won the toss and opted to bowl, West Indies made full use of the batting-friendly conditions. Shai Hope anchored the innings with a steady 32 off 33 balls, while Roston Chase injected momentum with a brisk 40 off just 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six. Shimron Hetmyer provided the early fireworks, smashing 27 off 12 balls, and Rovman Powell added a crucial 34 from 19.
The real push came in the death overs, where Jason Holder played a captain’s knock. His unbeaten 37 off 22 balls, laced with three towering sixes, propelled West Indies to a formidable 195/4 in 20 overs.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer with figures of 2/36, removing key batters at crucial moments. Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with one wicket each, but Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel proved slightly expensive on a flat track.
Sanju Samson’s masterclass lights up Kolkata
Chasing 196 under pressure, India had a shaky start as Abhishek Sharma departed for 10. However, what followed was pure class from Samson. The stylish right-hander played one of the finest knocks of the tournament, hammering 97 off just 50 balls. His innings was studded with 12 fours and four sixes, as he effortlessly pierced gaps and punished anything short.
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t convert their starts, but Tilak Varma’s aggressive 27 off 15 balls kept India ahead of the required rate. Pandya contributed 17, while Shivam Dube’s quick 10 off 4 deliveries brought the equation down dramatically. With nerves creeping in during the final overs, Samson held firm before falling agonizingly short of a century. Nevertheless, India crossed the line at 199/5 in 19.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium.
Holder (2/38) and Shamar Joseph (2/44) kept striking at intervals to keep the contest alive. Akeal Hosein also picked up a wicket, but the target proved just out of reach as Samson’s brilliance overshadowed their efforts. With this five-wicket victory, India confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. The chase showcased their depth, composure, and big-match temperament.
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Here’s how fans reacted
Respect the name: Sanju Samson!!!
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) March 1, 2026
India v England semi final in #Mumbai .. Doesn’t get any better .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup .. India very impressive with the Bat against the West Indies .. they are still the team to beat in this tournament .. 👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 1, 2026
Today @IamSanjuSamson has made all of us proud. Critical breakthroughs by @Jaspritbumrah93 also helped Team India. Congratulations #MenInBlue for the wonderful win. Our hearts stopped several times throughout the match but all is well that ends well. Happy for #TeamIndia. Best…
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 1, 2026
If we ever needed reminding, #SanjuSamson has reminded us that you never write off class. He is a very special cricketer but today the quality lay in his maturity, in the responsibility to be there at the end
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 1, 2026
Well played, boys! 🙌 Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit, and a true champions’ mindset on display. One step closer to glory — let’s bring it home! 💙🏏
Pure dominance from @IamSanjuSamson 🔥#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #WorldCup #SemiFinals
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 1, 2026
hey i’ve seen this one 🥺 pic.twitter.com/xcOPy7uP9U
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 1, 2026
Hatt jao, Sanju bhai aaj mission par hai! 😌#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/E4lM0JdfAk
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 1, 2026
Top gear, Sanju 🙌🏽
The selection noise was loud, but his response was louder… even though he delivered in silence and not showing his emotions. Amidst pressure and expectation, he found stillness. That steady head, effortless balance and timing as pure as it gets. What a…— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) March 1, 2026
Must-win game. ENTER SANJU SAMSON 🤌🔥 pic.twitter.com/JAY63sYoWM
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 1, 2026
That’s one of the best run chases under pressure , Sanju you beauty #INDvsWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 1, 2026
Must-win game 💪
Chettan in full flow 🔥🦁
5️⃣0️⃣* #WhistlePodu #T20WorldCup— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 1, 2026
A knock of maturity 🫡
Excellent innings under immense pressure 🙌#INDvWI #SanjuSamson #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q1biIYVBX6— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 1, 2026
Player of the Match: Sanju Samson 🔥#cricket #INDvWI #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CfSJ1OJAmg
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026
No hype. No PR. Just pure class. 👑
Sanju Samson plays the game with elegance, patience & fearless intent.
Dropped, doubted, yet never broken.If you believe talent outlives noise,
you’re already a Sanju fan. 💙#sanjusamson pic.twitter.com/GIR4JNt2nE— Pratik S Patil (@Liberal_India1) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson the man for India in a do or die game. Focus is never on him but he proves to be the game-changer.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson has played many knocks that have often been overlooked. Today’s the day to stamp his class and play the innings that no one should ever forget. He’s got a start too, make it count. #INDvsWI
— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) March 1, 2026
When it matters most, Sanju Samson is playing the innings of his life for India in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav….4 T20 World Cups and 1 ODI World Cup played…India is still waiting for a moment to trust you on the big stage.— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) March 1, 2026
Not a single shot in the air from the 12th to 19th overs
Low risk boundaries,controlled batting from Sanju Samson.Proper chasing masterclass.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 1, 2026
Cometh the hour, cometh Sanju Samson! 🫡
9⃣7⃣*(50) – A knock for the ages to take #TeamIndia into the semi-finals 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ur4pr8Bi3K#T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #INDvWI | @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/ftJRp2wMTE
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2026
STAND UP AND SALUTE SANJU SAMSON.🫡 pic.twitter.com/SAAHWUaTYB
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) March 1, 2026
