In a thrilling display at Eden Gardens, Suryakumar Yadav’s India scripted history by chasing down a mammoth 196-run target against West Indies, securing their semi-final spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The victory on Sunday not only punched their ticket to the last four but also shattered a 12-year-old record for India’s highest successful chase in the tournament.
West Indies posted 195 for 4 in 20 overs, powered by Roston Chase’s 40 and Jason Holder’s unbeaten 37. But India’s batting firepower turned the game on its head. Early setbacks saw Abhishek Sharma out for 10, Ishan Kishan for 10 off 6 balls, skipper Suryakumar Yadav for 18, and Tilak Varma for 27. Yet, Sanju Samson stood tall, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls – laced with 12 fours and 4 sixes.
Samson’s knock eclipsed Virat Kohli’s previous best of 82* against Pakistan in 2022, marking the highest individual score in a chase for India in T20 World Cups. Paired with Hardik Pandya’s 17, they forged a crucial 50-plus stand for the fifth wicket, guiding India home in 19.2 overs with 5 wickets down.
This chase tops India’s prior record of 173 against South Africa in 2014 and ranks as the third-highest successful pursuit in T20 World Cup history. India now gears up for England in the second semi-final on March 5, marking their sixth semis appearance in the tournament. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the Men in Blue chase glory.