In a high-octane clash that lives up to every part of its billing, India they punched his ticket ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a thrilling five-wicket victory over West India. The 52nd match of the tournament, played under the iconic lights of Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 01 March 2026, witnessed a career-defining performance before a packed house of 50,597 fans. Sanju Samson. In a chase that required nerves of steel, Samson’s unbeaten 97 led the Men in Blue to a spectacular finish in the Caribbean and ended the Super Eights on a historic high.
Sanju Samson shares his thoughts on India’s semi-final match win
After his match-winning heroics, an emotional Samson was named Man of the Match. For a player whose international career has often been scrutinized by consistency, the beating felt like the finale. Samson anchored the chase with a mix of aggressive stroke play and calculated patience, finishing with 97 off just 50 balls, studded with 10 boundaries and 8 powerful sixes.
“It means the world to me, it’s the day I’ve been waiting for since I dreamed of playing for my country.” Samson shared during the post-game presentation.
Reflecting candidly on his decades-long journey, he noted, “ups and downs” and self-doubt, observing such legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the shelter gave him a virtual master class in finishing games.
Samson highlighted the tactical change during the innings, noting that the previous game was about “the ball suddenly goes big,” the collapse of India’s top order – lose Abhishek Sharma (10) and Ishan Kishi (10) early – forced him to turn.
“I wanted to build a partnership and focus on the process. I just looked at the ball and believed that I would react on merit,” he added, admitting that the roar of the Kolkata crowd helped him stay grounded in the moment.
India cruised past West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals
Batting first, West Indies posted a formidable 195/4, boosted by explosive cameos from the captain. Shai Umid (32) and fireworks from the deceased Rovman Powell (34) and Jason Holder (37). The Windies lower order added 50 runs off the last 20 balls, putting immense pressure on the Indian bowling unit. jasprit bumrah He was the pick of the bowlers, showing his class with figures of 2/36 Varun Chakraborty It provided an important leap of hope.
India’s chase of 196 got off to a shaky start as they found themselves at 41/2 inside the Powerplay. However, Samson found himself a steady partner Suryakumar Yadav (18) and later Tilak Varma (27). Turning point Samson brought the momentum back to the hosts when he reached his fifty off just 26 balls. Although he lost Hardik Pandya in the 19th game, Shivam Dubey He came in to score a quick 8 off 4 balls, getting India over the line at 199/5.
With this win, India finally made it to the semi-finals with a big momentum boosted by a seemingly settled middle order and a new hero in Samson who proved he can win games at the grandest stage.
