India beat West Indies by five wickets in Super 8 encounter to secure their semifinal berth at the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. West Indies bat first and posted a competitive 195 for four with the contributions from Roston Chase (40), Shai Hope (32), Jason Holder (37 not out) and Rovman Powell (34 not out).
In chasing, Samson played a chasing masterclass in his scintillating 50-ball knock hammering 12 fours and four sixes as India with four balls to remain overhauled the target.
A solid support produced to him from Tilak Varma (27), Suryakumar Yadav (18) and Hardik Pandya (17), who ensured there were no late hiccups.
With two crucial wickets, Jasprit Bumrah (2/36) was the pick of the Indian bowlers, while Jason Holder (2/36) and Shamar Joseph (2/42) also taken two wickets for West Indies.
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Inclusion of Sanju Samson at the top of the order of squad proves decisive. In starting outside the playing XI in favour of left-handers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, the tactical switch counters spin attack of West Indies. Samson maintains composure, cutting, driving and flicking with precision, making a critical 42-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav. When 55 runs remain off 32 balls, Hardik Pandya joins him and both of them guide India home.
In starting, fielding of India falters, with misfields and dropped catches letting West Indies achieved 195/4. Including Shimron Hetmyer and Roston, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy make key breakthroughs chase, to restrict momentum. To dismiss Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya executes a precise plan putting India in command. With Rovman Powell and Jason Holder adding 70 off 30 balls, West Indies fight back but calculated aggression of Sanju Samson seals the chase.
Combines skill of Samson’s innings of temperament, and timing under pressure,navigating dew and scoreboard tension. His performance, alongside support of Hardik Pandya carrying India into semifinal against England at Wankhede Stadium.
