KOLKATA - Sanju Samson produced one of the finest innings in T20 World Cup history, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls to guide India to a commanding five-wicket victory over West Indies in the decisive Super Eights clash at Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 1.

The result sealed India's passage into the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, their sixth appearance in the last four of the tournament, while West Indies were sent packing from the competition.

Asked to chase 196, India were in need of something special, and Samson delivered in breathtaking fashion. The wicketkeeper-batter tore into the West Indian bowling attack from the outset, reaching his half-century off a mere 26 deliveries with a trademark boundary laced through the offside against left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. He never relented, finishing his masterclass with 12 fours and four towering sixes as India reached 199 for 5 in just 19.2 overs.

Samson found valuable allies along the way. He stitched together a crucial 58-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav that steadied the Indian innings during a tricky middle phase of the chase. Later, a 42-run stand with Tilak Varma, who contributed a handy 27, put the result beyond doubt and allowed India to cruise home with four balls to spare.

Earlier in the evening, West Indies had posted a competitive 195 for 4 from their 20 overs, powered by contributions across the batting order. Roston Chase top-scored with a brisk 40, while Shai Hope added 32 at the top. Captain Rovman Powell chipped in with an unbeaten 34, and the experienced Jason Holder remained not out on 37, providing the late acceleration that pushed West Indies past the 190-mark.

However, India's bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah with figures of 2 for 36, kept the West Indian total within reach. Bumrah's miserly spells in the powerplay and at the death once again underlined why he remains one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was full of praise for his match-winner in the post-match press conference. He noted that Samson had delivered precisely when the team needed him most, a sentiment echoed by teammates and fans who packed the iconic Kolkata venue to capacity.

Samson himself credited his seniors for shaping his approach, revealing that years of learning from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had helped him develop the composure required for such high-pressure situations. His 97 not out now sits among the highest individual scores by an Indian batter in T20 World Cup history.

With the Super Eights stage now concluded, the semi-final lineup is confirmed. South Africa, who also progressed from Group 1 after defeating Zimbabwe in Delhi, will face New Zealand at Eden Gardens on March 4. India, meanwhile, set up a mouth-watering clash against an unbeaten England side at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5, a repeat of the 2024 semi-final encounter.

England have been in devastating form, winning all three of their Super Eight matches against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand, making them a formidable opponent. However, if Samson's heroics in Kolkata are any indication, India possess the firepower and the big-game temperament to go all the way. The winners of the two semi-finals will meet in the grand finale on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where a new T20 World Cup champion will be crowned.