Sanju Samson’s 97 powers India to T20 World Cup semifinals

Kolkata — Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson produced a career-defining innings on Sunday, 1 March 2026, guiding India to a thrilling victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens and securing a place in the T20 World Cup semifinals.

Chasing a challenging target of 196, Samson scored a commanding 97 off 50 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and four sixes. His innings steadied the chase after India’s openers were dismissed cheaply in the powerplay. Samson reached his half-century in just 26 deliveries, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a fifty in a T20 World Cup run chase.

A late cameo from Tilak Varma helped India cross the finish line with four balls to spare. With the Super 8 stage concluded for both sides, India will now face England in the semifinals later this week.