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Kolkata: India powered their way into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a sensational five-wicket win over West Indies in a high-voltage virtual quarter-final at the iconic Eden Gardens on Sunday.

The architect of the victory was Sanju Samson, whose breathtaking unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls turned a tense chase into a memorable triumph. His explosive knock — laced with 12 fours and four towering sixes — propelled India to 199/5 in 19.2 overs, chasing down a stiff 196-run target with four balls to spare amid deafening cheers from a packed home crowd.

West Indies Post 195/4 After Late Surge

Put in to bat, West Indies started steadily before Roston Chase accelerated with a brisk 40 off 25 balls. Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with a quick 27 to steady the innings in the middle overs.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah provided crucial breakthroughs, dismissing both set batters at key moments. However, Rovman Powell (34 off 19) and Jason Holder (37* off 22) stitched together an unbeaten 76-run stand for the fifth wicket, lifting the Caribbean side to a formidable 195/4 in their 20 overs.

Samson Leads the Charge in Record Chase

India’s reply revolved entirely around Samson’s brilliance. The stylish right-hander brought up his maiden T20 World Cup half-century in just 26 balls, setting the tone for an audacious chase.

He forged crucial partnerships with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, ensuring the asking rate never spiralled out of control. Though West Indies sensed an opening after removing Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya in quick succession, Shivam Dube struck two timely boundaries to calm nerves.

With 10 needed off the final over, Samson fittingly finished the contest in emphatic fashion — smashing a massive six and a boundary off Romario Shepherd to seal India’s semi-final berth and send the West Indies crashing out of the tournament.

Strong Comeback After Early Setback

India’s win marked a strong rebound after their Super 8 defeat to South Africa. Back-to-back must-win victories ensured their passage into the last four with renewed momentum.

In the semi-finals, Group 1 toppers South Africa will face New Zealand at Eden Gardens on March 4, while India are set to clash with Group 2 leaders England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

With Samson in sublime form and the team peaking at the right moment, India’s quest for T20 World Cup glory remains firmly alive.

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