Sports
02 Mar, 2026
Sanju's 97 not out under Eden pressure seals India's semifinal berth, down WI by five wickets
Business Aajkal, Kolkata, 02 March 2026: Perpetually under scrutiny, Sanju Samson rose above the criticism with a composed and commanding 97 not out, guiding India to a five-wicket win over the West Indies cricket team in their Super Eights clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
The victory sealed India’s semifinal berth, where they will face the England cricket team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 5.
West Indies Set a Stiff Target
Asked to bat first, the West Indies executed a well-structured attacking plan:
- Roston Chase laid the foundation with a steady innings.
- A powerful late flourish came from:
- Rovman Powell – 34* (19 balls)
- Jason Holder – 37* (22 balls)
Their late assault propelled the Caribbean side to an imposing
195 for 4, setting up a challenging chase.
Samson Anchors the Chase
Under pressure and aware of the stakes, Samson produced one of his finest T20 knocks:
- Controlled aggression
- Smart strike rotation
- Calm temperament in crunch moments
His unbeaten 97 ensured India chased down the target with five wickets in hand, turning what could have been a knockout-style elimination into a statement win.
With confidence soaring and momentum building, India now prepare for a high-voltage semifinal against England in Mumbai — a clash that promises fireworks.