Samson powers India to the WC 2026 Semi Finals

India sealed a dramatic victory in their must-win Super 8 clash against the West Indies at the T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata, riding on a match-defining innings from Sanju Samson. Chasing 196 in a virtual quarter-final, India crossed the finish line in the final over, keeping their semi-final hopes alive in emphatic fashion.

Samson produced one of his finest knocks under pressure, bringing up a blazing half-century in just 26 balls before accelerating further to anchor the chase. His calculated aggression and composure in the death overs proved decisive as wickets fell around him. Partnering him at the crucial stage was Shivam Dube, whose late boundaries ensured the required rate remained within reach.

Earlier, Tilak Varma had injected momentum with a rapid 27 off 15 deliveries, setting the platform for the final assault.

Put into bat by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the West Indies posted a competitive 195/4. Skipper Shai Hope and makeshift opener Roston Chase stitched together a 68-run opening stand, the highest against India in this edition. In the closing overs, Rovman Powell (34*) and Jason Holder (37*) added an unbeaten 76 runs to push the total close to 200.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a crucial double strike in one over, though dropped chances — including two by Abhishek Sharma — nearly proved costly.

With this high-pressure win, India march into the semi-finals, while the West Indies bow out after a fiercely contested encounter.