At a packed Eden Gardens, India held their nerve in a high-scoring thriller to defeat West Indies by 5 wickets within the Tremendous 8 Group 1 conflict of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a frightening 196, the Males in Blue rode on a wide ranging 97 from Sanju Samson to seal the competition with 4 balls to spare and storm into the semi-finals.
West Indies put up imposing 195 after late surge
After India received the toss and opted to bowl, West Indies made full use of the batting-friendly circumstances. Shai Hope anchored the innings with a gentle 32 off 33 balls, whereas Roston Chase injected momentum with a brisk 40 off simply 25 deliveries, together with 5 boundaries and a six. Shimron Hetmyer supplied the early fireworks, smashing 27 off 12 balls, and Rovman Powell added a vital 34 from 19.
The actual push got here within the demise overs, the place Jason Holder performed 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 two/36, eradicating key batters at essential moments. Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with one wicket every, however Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel proved barely costly on a flat monitor.
Sanju Samson’s masterclass lights up Kolkata
Chasing 196 underneath strain, India had a shaky begin as Abhishek Sharma departed for 10. Nevertheless, what adopted was pure class from Samson. The fashionable right-hander performed one of many most interesting knocks of the match, hammering 97 off simply 50 balls. His innings was studded with 12 fours and 4 sixes, as he effortlessly pierced gaps and punished something quick.
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t convert their begins, however Tilak Varma’s aggressive 27 off 15 balls stored India forward of the required price. Pandya contributed 17, whereas Shivam Dube’s fast 10 off 4 deliveries introduced the equation down dramatically. With nerves creeping in in the course of the ultimate overs, Samson held agency earlier than falling agonizingly wanting a century. However, India crossed the road at 199/5 in 19.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations throughout the stadium.
Holder (2/38) and Shamar Joseph (2/44) stored hanging at intervals to maintain the competition alive. Akeal Hosein additionally picked up a wicket, however the goal proved simply out of attain as Samson’s brilliance overshadowed their efforts. With this five-wicket victory, India confirmed their place within the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. The chase showcased their depth, composure, and big-match temperament.
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Right here’s how followers reacted
Respect the identify: Sanju Samson!!!
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) March 1, 2026
India v England semi ultimate in #Mumbai .. Doesn’t get any higher .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup .. India very spectacular with the Bat in opposition to the West Indies .. they’re nonetheless the workforce to beat on this match .. 👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 1, 2026
Right this moment @IamSanjuSamson has made all of us proud. Crucial breakthroughs by @Jaspritbumrah93 additionally helped Workforce India. Congratulations #MenInBlue for the fantastic win. Our hearts stopped a number of instances all through the match however all is nicely that ends nicely. Glad for #TeamIndia. Finest…
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 1, 2026
If we ever wanted reminding, #SanjuSamson has reminded us that you simply by no means write off class. He’s a really particular cricketer however at the moment the standard lay in his maturity, within the duty to be there on the finish
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 1, 2026
Effectively performed, boys! 🙌 Scientific efficiency, unstoppable spirit, and a real champions’ mindset on show. One step nearer to glory — let’s convey it dwelling! 💙🏏
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
High gear, Sanju 🙌🏽The choice noise was loud, however his response was louder… regardless that he delivered in silence and never exhibiting his feelings. Amidst strain and expectation, he discovered stillness. That regular head, easy steadiness and timing as pure because it will get. What a…
— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) March 1, 2026
Should-win recreation. ENTER SANJU SAMSON 🤌🔥 pic.twitter.com/JAY63sYoWM
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 1, 2026
That is among the best run chases underneath strain , Sanju you magnificence #INDvsWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 1, 2026
Should-win recreation 💪Chettan in full circulate 🔥🦁 5️⃣0️⃣* #WhistlePodu #T20WorldCup
— Chennai Tremendous Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 1, 2026
A knock of maturity 🫡Wonderful innings underneath immense strain 🙌#INDvWI #SanjuSamson #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q1biIYVBX6
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 1, 2026
Participant of the Match: Sanju Samson 🔥#cricket #INDvWI #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CfSJ1OJAmg
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026
No hype. No PR. Simply pure class. 👑
Sanju Samson performs the sport with class, endurance & fearless intent.Dropped, doubted, but by no means damaged.
For those who consider expertise outlives noise,you’re already a Sanju fan. 💙#sanjusamson pic.twitter.com/GIR4JNt2nE
— Pratik S Patil (@Liberal_India1) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson the person for India in a do or die recreation. Focus isn’t on him however he proves to be the game-changer.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson has performed many knocks which have usually been missed. Right this moment’s the day to stamp his class and play the innings that nobody ought to ever overlook. He’s received a begin too, make it rely. #INDvsWI
— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) March 1, 2026
When it issues most, Sanju Samson is enjoying the innings of his life for India within the World Cup.In the meantime, Suryakumar Yadav….4 T20 World Cups and 1 ODI World Cup performed…India remains to be ready for a second to belief you on the massive stage.
— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) March 1, 2026
Not a single shot within the air from the twelfth to nineteenth overs Low danger boundaries,managed batting from Sanju Samson.
Correct 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
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