It was a night of redemption for Sanju Samson at Eden Gardens as the wicketkeeper-batter produced a stunning match-winning knock to guide the India national cricket team into the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In a virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies cricket team, Samson smashed an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls to power India to a dramatic five-wicket victory while chasing 196.
Coming into the contest under heavy scrutiny after a string of inconsistent performances, Sanju Samson delivered when it mattered the most. His knock, filled with elegant strokeplay and fearless hitting, ensured India kept their title defence alive. India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the team’s character after the win and highlighted how crucial the result was in the context of the tournament.
“Obviously, it’s a great feeling. The way we played, it was a do-or-die, like a quarter-final game, and the way the boys showed character, I think it was a great thing,” Suryakumar Yadav said after the match.
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However, the skipper reserved special praise for Samson’s remarkable effort under pressure.
“See, I always say, good things happen to good people who wait, who have a lot of patience. I said it just now as well when I met him. But then it’s all his hard work, what he’s been doing behind the doors when he was not playing, and he’s got the fruit of it at the perfect stage.” He further admired the manner in which Sanju Samson carried the chase. “And the way he batted, took the side completely to victory.”
Earlier, the West Indies had posted a competitive 195/4, thanks largely to late acceleration from Jason Holder and Rovman Powell. India’s reply began shakily, slipping to 41/2 inside the powerplay. Despite the early setbacks, Sanju Samson kept India in the hunt. A crucial 42-run partnership with Tilak Varma helped stabilise the innings and maintain momentum in the middle overs.
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Suryakumar Yadav also revealed that the team had clarity about how to approach the chase. “I feel everyone bowled according to plans. We knew 200 is always a good score to chase here with the dew and the ball coming on nicely.” He added that calm decision-making under pressure made the difference. “And the way the batters responded later on with small partnerships, that was the key.”
India will now take on the England cricket team in the semifinal at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday as they aim to move one step closer to defending their T20 World Cup crown.
