In a crowded 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 managed an impressive 97 from Sanju Samson to seal the contest with four balls to spare and reach the semifinals.
West Indies score 195 after late surge
After India won the toss and opted to bowl, the West Indies made the most of the favorable batting conditions. hope shai anchored the innings with a consistent 32 off 33 balls, while Roston chase He injected momentum with a spirited 40 off just 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and sixes. Shimron Hetmyer provided the first fireworks, smashing 27 off 12 balls, and Rovman Powell he added a crucial 34 off 19.
The real push came in the death overs, where Jason Headline He played a captain’s shot. His unbeaten 37 off 22 balls, combined with three towering sixes, propelled West Indies to a formidable 195/4 in 20 overs.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah he was the standout player with figures of 2/36, removing key batsmen at crucial moments. Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy contributed a wicket each, but Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel It was a bit expensive on a flat track.
Sanju Samson’s masterclass lights up Kolkata
Chasing 196 under pressure, India off to shaky start Abhishek Sharma He left at 10. However, what followed was pure class from Samson. The elegant right-hander played one of the best knocks of the tournament, hammering 97 in just 50 balls. His innings was studded with 12 fours and four sixes, as he effortlessly drilled gaps and punished anything short.
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav could not convert his beginnings, but Tilak VarmaThe aggressive 27 off 15 balls kept India ahead of the required pace. Pandya contributed 17, while Shivam DubeThe quick 10 deliveries of 4 drastically reduced the equation. With nerves creeping in during the final overs, Samson held firm before falling agonizingly short of a century. However, India crossed the line at 199/5 in 19.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations throughout the stadium.
Holder (2/38) and Shamar Jose (2/44) continued attacking at intervals to keep the contest alive. Akeal Hosein He also picked up a wicket but the goal proved out of reach when Samson’s brilliance overshadowed his efforts. With this five-wicket win, India confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. The chase showed their depth, composure and big-match temperament.
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This is how the fans reacted
Respect the name: Sanju Samson!!!
– Ian Raphael Obispo (@irbishi) March 1, 2026
India-England semi-final #Bombay ..There is nothing 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 He has made us all proud. Critical advances by @Jaspritbumrah93 He also helped the Indian team. Congratulations #MenInBlue for the wonderful victory. Our hearts stopped several times during the game, but all’s well that ends well. happy for #TeamIndia. Better…
— Harbhajan Turbanador (@harbhajan_singh) March 1, 2026
If we ever needed to be reminded, #SanjuSamson He has reminded us that a class is never cancelled. He is a very special cricketer but today the quality lies in his maturity, in the responsibility of being there until the end.
—Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 1, 2026
Well played, guys! 🙌 Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit and a mentality of true champions on display. One more step towards glory: let’s bring it home! 💙🏏
Pure mastery of @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, mission sanju bhai aaj par hai! 😌#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/E4lM0JdfAk
– Kings of Punjab (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 1, 2026
Top team, Sanju 🙌🏽
The noise of the selection was loud, but his response was stronger… even though he spoke silently and without showing his emotions. In the midst of pressure and expectation, he found stillness. That steady head, effortless balance and timing as pure as they come. That…!– Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) March 1, 2026
Game that must be won. ENTER SANJU SAMSON 🤌🔥 pic.twitter.com/JAY63sYoWM
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 1, 2026
That’s one of the best chases under pressure, Sanju, beauty. #INDvsWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 1, 2026
Game you must win 💪
Chettan in full flow 🔥🦁
5️⃣0️⃣* #whistlepodu #T20WorldCup– Kings of Chennai (@ChennaiIPL) March 1, 2026
A stroke of maturity 🫡
Excellent entries under immense pressure 🙌#INDvWI #SanjuSamson #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q1biIYVBX6-Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 1, 2026
Man of the match: Sanju Samson 🔥#cricket #INDvWI #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CfSJ1OJAmg
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026
No exaggerations. No public relations. Pure class. 👑
Sanju Samson plays with elegance, patience and fearless determination.
Fallen, doubted, but never broken.If you believe that talent survives the noise,
You are already a fan of Sanju. 💙#sanjusamson pic.twitter.com/GIR4JNt2nE—Pratik S Patil (@Liberal_India1) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson, India’s man in a game of life and death. The focus is never on him, but he proves to be the game changer.
—Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson has played many shots that have often been overlooked. Today is the day to mark your class and play the innings that no one should ever forget. He has a beginning 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 have been 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 12 to 19
Low risk boundaries, controlled batting from Sanju Samson.Proper pursuit master class.
—Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 1, 2026
The time has come, Sanju Samson is coming! 🫡
9⃣7⃣*(50) – A hit for life #TeamIndia to semi-finals 👏
Dashboard ▶️ https://t.co/ur4pr8Bi3K#T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #INDvWI | @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/ftJRp2wMTE
-BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2026
GET UP AND GREET SANJU SAMSON.🫡 pic.twitter.com/SAAHWUaTYB
– Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) March 1, 2026
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