Sanju Samson lit up Eden Gardens with a blazing counterattack during India’s chase against the West Indies cricket team in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, March 1. The wicketkeeper-batter unleashed an aggressive assault on left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, smashing a four and two towering sixes in a momentum-shifting 17-run over.
The fireworks arrived in the third over of India’s chase. Sanju Samson started the over confidently, driving the first ball through the gap between cover and point for a crisp boundary. He followed it up with a powerful slog over deep square leg that sailed into the stands for six.
After a dot ball briefly halted the momentum, Sanu Samson rocked back in his crease and dispatched another delivery over deep mid-wicket for an even bigger maximum. His clean striking electrified the crowd and instantly lifted the tempo of the innings. Despite Samson’s explosive hitting, the over ended with a setback for the India national cricket team as Abhishek Sharma was dismissed off the final delivery.
ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav’s Superman Catch Dismisses Roston Chase In India vs West Indies Clash
Sanju Samson has been in attacking form throughout the tournament, having earlier scored quick cameos of 22 off eight balls against Namibia national cricket team and 24 off 15 deliveries versus Zimbabwe national cricket team. Once again, he provided the defending champions with a rapid start in this virtual quarterfinal clash.
View this post on Instagram
At the five-over mark, India reached 45/2, with Samson racing to 20 off just 10 balls while captain Suryakumar Yadav was beginning to settle at the crease. Earlier, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma departed after scoring 10 each.
WATCH – Varun Chakravarthy Cleans Up Shai Hope To Hand India Crucial Breakthrough
Batting first, the West Indies posted a competitive 195/4 in their 20 overs. Roston Chase led the scoring with a brisk 40 off 25 balls, while skipper Shai Hope contributed 32. Late fireworks from Jason Holder (37*) and Rovman Powell (34*) added crucial runs. For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler with figures of 2/36, while Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy claimed one wicket each.
