KOLKATA, India — Sanju Samson produced a breathtaking, unbeaten 97 to propel India national cricket team to a dramatic five-wicket victory over the West Indies cricket team, ending the Caribbean side’s T20 World Cup hopes and sending the defending champions into the semi-finals.
Chasing a formidable target of 196 before a roaring crowd at Eden Gardens, India surged to 199 for five with four balls remaining, powered almost entirely by Samson’s extraordinary stroke play. The win booked a semi-final showdown with England cricket team in Mumbai.
West Indies post competitive total after late surge
Earlier, West Indies compiled a challenging 195 for four after being asked to bat, recovering strongly from a mid-innings wobble.
A bold tactical shuffle saw all-rounder Roston Chase promoted to open for the first time in his international career. He rewarded the gamble with an assured 40 during a 68-run stand with captain Shai Hope, who contributed a measured 32.
India’s bowlers clawed back control through Jasprit Bumrah, whose double strike removed Shimron Hetmyer and Chase in quick succession, leaving West Indies vulnerable at 102 for three.
When Sherfane Rutherford fell soon after, the innings teetered before a powerful late partnership transformed the outlook. Rovman Powell and Jason Holder combined for an unbroken 76-run stand, launching a late assault that pushed the total toward the 200 mark.
Holder finished unbeaten on 37, Powell on 34, ensuring a strong platform, though disciplined death bowling from Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh prevented an even bigger finish.
India’s chase ignites, then stumbles
India’s reply began at breakneck speed as Samson and Abhishek Sharma plundered 29 runs in the opening overs. However, early wickets briefly stalled momentum, including Sharma’s dismissal and Ishan Kishan falling cheaply.
Unfazed, Samson seized control. He punished the spinners, raced to a half-century from just 26 balls, and steadily shifted the pressure back onto the bowlers.
Supported by captain Suryakumar Yadav, he added a crucial 58-run partnership that stabilized the chase before Yadav’s departure reopened the contest.
Composure under pressure finishes the job
As wickets fell around him, Samson found fresh allies. A brisk stand with Tilak Varma kept India within reach before late drama unfolded.
With 17 required from the final 10 deliveries, tension gripped the stadium. Shivam Dube struck two timely boundaries to ease the equation, setting the stage for a fitting finale.
Samson sealed the victory in emphatic fashion, launching a towering six followed by a boundary off Romario Shepherd to ignite wild celebrations and cap one of the tournament’s most memorable innings.
Semi-final stage set
The result eliminated West Indies from contention while keeping India’s title defense alive. For the Caribbean side, the defeat marked a painful end after a valiant batting effort.
For India, however, the night belonged to one man. Samson’s innings, fearless, controlled, and decisive, not only carried his team forward but etched his name into T20 World Cup folklore.
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