Sanju Samson took India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a match-winning 97* off 50 balls at Eden Gardens. India chased 196 and finished on 199/5 with 4 balls remaining, sealing a 5-wicket win over West Indies.
In the first innings, West Indies finished strongly to post 195/4 after India chose to bowl. Shai Hope scored 32 off 33 before Varun Chakaravarthy removed him at 68 in the 9th over. Roston Chase then accelerated with 40 off 25. Jasprit Bumrah took wickets, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer for 27 off 12 and later removing Chase. At 119/4 in the 15th over, India regained control after Hardik Pandya sent back Sherfane Rutherford.
Rovman Powell and Jason Holder scored quick runs late. Powell remained 34 not out off 19, while Holder added 37 not out off 22. This lifted the West Indies to 195/4.
In their chase, India lost Abhishek Sharma for 10 off 11 and Ishan Kishan early. Sanju Samson held firm and built partnerships with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. India needed 55 from 32 at one stage. Hardik Pandya supported before falling with 17 required off 10. Samson stayed unbeaten on 97 off 50 and sealed the win.
Sanju Samson’s knock has now become the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup chase, surpassing 82 by Virat Kohli.
Semi-final spot on the line, and the boys handled it beautifully!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 1, 2026
Handling the final overs well in both innings gave us the edge. Sanju Samson’s calm presence at the crease was wonderful to watch. That kind of presence lifts a side.
Brilliant effort from everyone. On to the… https://t.co/Y5874i9v2d
Not a single shot in the air from the 12th to 19th overs
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 1, 2026
Low risk boundaries,controlled batting from Sanju Samson.
Proper chasing masterclass.
Respect the name: Sanju Samson!!!
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) 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
Coming not out in T 20 cricket can do a world of good to the averages of a batter.#T20WorldCup
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 1, 2026
.@IamSanjuSamson stepped up when it mattered most 🇮🇳
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) March 1, 2026
Highest score by an Indian in a T20 WC run chase, brilliant effort with the bat, supported by @IamShivamDube’s cameo, and the bowlers led by @Jaspritbumrah93 doing the hard work early. Semi-finals, here we come 💪 pic.twitter.com/KiAeZA89Sp
Well played, boys! 🙌 Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit, and a true champions’ mindset on display. One step closer to glory — let’s bring it home! 💙🏏
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 1, 2026
Pure dominance from @IamSanjuSamson 🔥#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #WorldCup #SemiFinals
#Sanju Samson stepping in for Kohli highlights the strength of India’s cricketing infrastructure and the depth built by a robust system. No slogging, only pure technical skills applied with aggression and intent. #INDvsWi
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) March 1, 2026
That's one of the best run chases under pressure , Sanju you beauty #INDvsWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 1, 2026
Cometh the hour cometh the SAMSON!!
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 1, 2026
Really admirable the poise and calm with which he played under huge pressure. It was like he had the belief that he’ll get the job done 👏 A knock for the ages in front of a packed Eden Gardens. Very well played @IamSanjuSamson #INDvWI… pic.twitter.com/uhQ9PmkIV0
Unforgettable knock by Sanju Samson. From God’s own country he’s got the gift of God’s timing. What a time to play his best ever. 🫡 India on to the semis. #T20WorldCup2026 #sanjusamson pic.twitter.com/FELbzoO0Gv
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) March 1, 2026
This is why we’ve always backed Sanju 🔥 more fireworks to come 💪✨ #T20WorldCup #INDvWI
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) 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
Call him STYLISH, SCINTILLATING, SMASHING – Every word falls short for SANJU tonight #INDvsWI #Aakashvani #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/YftadyhcIT
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 1, 2026
Chintuuuu @IamSanjuSamson 🙏🏻👏 🫡 Semifinalssssssssssssss 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ppOS2bPrIx
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) March 1, 2026
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