In a thrilling encounter at Eden Gardens, Sanju Samson etched his name into Indian cricket history by smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls, propelling India to a commanding 5-wicket victory over West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash. This masterclass performance not only sealed India’s semi-final berth but also shattered Virat Kohli’s record for the highest chase score by an Indian in T20 World Cup history.
Samson’s explosive innings, adorned with 12 fours and 4 sixes, overshadowed the Caribbean bowlers who were left reeling. Chasing a formidable 196, India wobbled early but Samson stood tall, forging a crucial 58-run stand with Hardik Pandya. His final flourish—a boundary off Romario Shepherd—clinched the game in 19.2 overs, marking India’s sixth semi-final appearance.
This knock surpasses Kohli’s twin exploits of 82* against Australia in 2016 and Pakistan in 2022 during chases. Samson now holds the second-highest individual score for India in T20 World Cups. Tilak Varma chipped in with 27, while Pandya made 17.
West Indies posted 195/4 earlier, powered by Roston Chase’s 40 off 25, Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 34 off 19, and Jason Holder’s explosive 37* with three sixes. India’s date with England in the semi-final is set for March 5, while West Indies bow out.
Samson’s rise from domestic stalwart to World Cup hero underscores his growing stature, promising more fireworks ahead.