KOLKATA: (Mar 1) Sanju Samson struck a magnificent unbeaten 97 as India beat West Indies by five wickets in a must-win Super 8 clash to book their semifinal berth at the T20 World Cup, here on Sunday.
Asked to bat first, West Indies posted a competitive 195 for four, riding on contributions from Roston Chase (40), Shai Hope (32), Jason Holder (37 not out) and Rovman Powell (34 not out).
In reply, Samson produced a chasing masterclass, hammering 12 fours and four sixes in his scintillating 50-ball knock as India overhauled the target with four balls to spare.
Sanju Samson entered his name in the history books on Monday (March 1) by breaking Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a run chase of a T20 World Cup match.
Kohli, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 82 runs from 51 balls against Australia in Mohali on March 27, 2016. The former India skipper played a knock of 82 runs against Pakistan as well in the 2022 T20 World Cup match at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23.
This clinical win ensures India’s progression to the semi-finals, where they are now set for a blockbuster showdown against England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 5,2026.
