Sanju Samson delivered one of the most electrifying innings in T20 World Cup history as India chased down 196 to beat West Indies by five wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1, locking in the semi-final lineup of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Samson's unbeaten 97 off 50 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, is now the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup run chase. The wicketkeeper-batter walked in with India under early pressure and calmly dismantled the West Indian bowling attack, picking his moments with surgical precision before finishing the job with the winning runs in the 20th over.

West Indies had set what looked like a formidable target after posting 195 for four. Shimron Hetmyer and Roston Chase laid the platform before Jasprit Bumrah intervened with a devastating double strike that removed both set batsmen and swung momentum firmly in India's favour. Jason Holder and captain Rovman Powell responded with a blazing 76-run fifth-wicket stand that pushed the total beyond 190, giving the Caribbean side genuine hope of progressing.

India's reply got off to a shaky start. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan fell cheaply, leaving the defending champions at 53 for two after the powerplay. It was at that point that Samson took charge. He stitched together a composed 58-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav before adding another 42 with Tilak Varma, gradually taking the equation from daunting to comfortable. India reached 199 for five in 19.2 overs to clinch a memorable victory.

The result means all four semi-finalists are now confirmed. South Africa, who topped Group 1 with an unbeaten record, will face New Zealand in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 4. The second semi-final on March 5 pits co-hosts India against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. England progressed as Group 2 winners after claiming three consecutive victories in the group stage.

For West Indies, the elimination is a bitter end to what had been a thrilling campaign filled with explosive batting and moments of genuine quality. Captain Rovman Powell acknowledged the disappointment but pointed to the positives his squad could take into future assignments, including the emergence of several young talents who held their own on the biggest stage.

All eyes now turn to the semi-finals, with India carrying significant momentum and the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd in Mumbai. England, however, arrive in formidable shape, having been the only side to win every group match in the tournament. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by their pace unit, has been among the most disciplined in the competition.

The South Africa versus New Zealand clash in Kolkata promises to be equally compelling. South Africa have been the most consistent team in the tournament, while New Zealand, perennial fighters in ICC knockout events, will fancy their chances of causing an upset under lights at Eden Gardens.

The winners of both semi-finals will meet in the championship match on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where one nation will be crowned T20 World Cup champions.