in the full gardens of Eden, India held their nerve in a high-scoring thriller to lose West India A five-wicket clash in Super 8 Group 1 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing an impressive 196, the Men in Blue cruised to a breathtaking 97 Sanju Samson We seal the competition with reserve and storm four balls to the semi-finals.
The West Indies post reached 195 after a late surge
After India won the toss and picked up the trophy, West Indies took full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions. Shai Umid Anchored the shot with a steady 32 off 33 balls Roston Chase He hit a quick pace for 40 off just 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six. Shimron Hetmyer provided the first fireworks, smashing 27 off 12 balls and Rovman Powell He added a crucial 34 from 19.
The real push resulted in death, where Jason Holder played the captain’s kick. His unbeaten 37 off 22 balls, capped by three powerful sixes, took West Indies to 195/4 in 20 overs.
for India, jasprit bumrah he was a standout performer with figures of 2/36, eliminating key knocks at crucial moments. Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket each but Arshdeep Singh and Akhar Patel proved to be a bit expensive on the straight.
Sanju Samson’s masterclass illuminates Kolkata
Chasing 196 under pressure, India got off to a shaky start Abhishek Sharma He left for 10. But what came next was Samson’s pure class. The stylish right-hander played one of the best knocks of the tournament, hitting 97 off just 50 balls. His innings was completed with 12 fours and four sixes as he pierced the gaps with ease and punished the short one.
Ishan Kishi and Suryakumar Yadav could not turn the starters, but Tilak Varma‘s aggressive 27 off 15 balls kept India ahead of the required ratio. And Pandya contributed 17 Shivam Dubey‘s quick 10 off 4 delivery brought the equation down dramatically. Samson, whose nerves were strained when he reached his last limit, stood firm after a century without suffering. Nevertheless, India crossed the line at 199/5 in 19.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations in the stadium.
Holder (2/38) and Shamar Yusif (2/44) continued to strike at intervals to keep the contest alive. Akeal Hosein He also took the wicket but failed to reach the target as Samson’s brilliance overshadowed their efforts. With this five-wicket win, India confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. The chase showed their depth, composure and big game temperament.
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Here’s the fan reaction
Respect the Name: Sanju Samson!!!
– Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) March 1, 2026
India and England met in the semi-finals #Mumbai .. It never gets better.. #ICCMensT20 World Cup .. India very impressive with the Bat against West Indies .. they are still the team to beat in this tournament .. 👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 1, 2026
Today @IamSanjuSamson made us all proud. Critical advances @Jaspritbumrah93 He also helped the Indian team. Congratulations #MenInBlue for a nice win. Our hearts stopped a few times during the match, but it all ended well, well. happy for #TeamIndia. The best…
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 1, 2026
If we ever need a reminder, #SanjuSamson reminded us that you have never deleted a lesson. He is a very special cricketer but the quality today is in his maturity, in his responsibility to be there at the end.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 1, 2026
Well played, guys! 🙌 Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit and the mentality of true champions are on display. One step closer to fame – let’s bring it home! 💙🏏
Pure reign @IamSanjuSamson 🔥#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #WorldCup #Semifinal
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 1, 2026
hey i saw that 🥺 pic.twitter.com/xcOPy7uP9U
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 1, 2026
Go, Sanju bhai is on a mission today! 😌#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/E4lM0JdfAk
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 1, 2026
Best gear, Sanju 🙌🏽
The selection noise was loud, but his response was even louder… though it was silent and unemotional. He found peace amidst the pressure and expectations. It’s a steady head, effortless balance and as clean a time as it gets. What a…—Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) March 1, 2026
A must win game. ENTER SANJU SAMSON 🤌🔥 pic.twitter.com/JAY63sYoWM
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 1, 2026
This is one of the best runs under pressure, Sanju, beauty #INDvsWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 1, 2026
A must win game 💪
Chettan in full 🔥🦁
5️⃣0️⃣* #WhistlePod #T20WorldCup— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 1, 2026
Puberty kick 🫡
Great shots under great pressure 🙌#INDvWI #SanjuSamson #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q1biIYVBX6— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 1, 2026
Man of the Match: Sanju Samson 🔥#cricket #INDvWI #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CfSJ1OJAmg
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026
No agitation. No PR. Just pure class. 👑
Sanju Samson plays the game with grace, patience and fearless intent.
Fell, doubted, but never broken.If you believe talent trumps noise,
you are already a Sanju fan. 💙#sanjusamson pic.twitter.com/GIR4JNt2nE— Pratik S Patil (@Liberal_India1) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson is the man for India in a do or die game. The focus is never on him, but he proves to be a game changer.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 1, 2026
Sanju Samson has played many knocks which are often overlooked. Today is his day to stamp his class and play an innings that no one should ever forget. He also has a beginning, count it. #INDvsWI
— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) March 1, 2026
At the most important moment, Sanju Samson plays the innings of his life for India in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav….4 T20 World Cups and 1 ODI World Cup played…India is still waiting for a moment to trust you on the big stage.— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) March 1, 2026
From the 12th to the 19th there was not a single shot in the air
Low risk boundaries, controlled shot from Sanju Samson.A master class in proper follow-up.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 1, 2026
The hour is coming, Sanju Samson is coming! 🫡
9⃣7⃣*(50) – A tattoo for the ages #TeamIndia to the semi-finals 👏
Account card ▶️ https://t.co/ur4pr8Bi3K#T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #INDvWI | @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/ftJRp2wMTE
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2026
RISE UP AND GREET SAMSON.🫡 pic.twitter.com/SAAHWUaTYB
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) March 1, 2026
