India storm into semi-finals with Samson’s unbeaten 97

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Mar 01, 2026

A magnificent unbeaten knock from Sanju Samson powered India into the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies cricket team in their final Super 8 clash on Sunday.

Chasing a formidable target of 196, India completed the run chase in 19.2 overs, finishing on 197-5.

Samson played a match-winning innings of 97 not out off just 50 balls. He hit 12 fours and four sixes. He was named 'Player of the match' for his brilliant performance

With seven runs required in the final over, he sealed the victory in style by smashing a six followed by a boundary.

Tilak Varma contributed 27 runs, captain Suryakumar Yadav added 18, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with 17.

The chase marked India’s most successful run pursuit in T20 World Cup history.

For the West Indies, Shamar Joseph and Jason Holder claimed two wickets each, while Akeal Hosein picked up one.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, the West Indies posted a competitive 195-4 in their 20 overs. Roston Chase top-scored with 40 runs. Holder remained unbeaten on 37, and Rovman Powell added an unbeaten 34.

Holder and Powell shared a crucial 76-run partnership for the fifth wicket after the team had slipped to 119-4.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets, while Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy claimed one wicket apiece.

India will now face England in the semi-finals as they aim for a place in the final. In the other last-four encounter, South Africa will take on New Zealand.