India reach semis on Samsons heroics in Kolkata thriller

In a pulsating contest, India booked their place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a five-wicket win over West Indies. Chasing 196 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India rode on a magnificent unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson to seal victory.

Samson’s 50-ball knock, studded with 12 fours and four sixes, was flawless and composed under pressure. In the Super 8 clash, India had never before chased down more than 173 to win a T20 World Cup match. Breaking that record, the hosts created new history.

Tilak Varma’s 27 off 15 balls was the second-highest score for India. While wickets kept falling at the other end, Samson remained calm, confident and calculated. Fittingly, he finished the match in style, smashing Romario Shepherd for a six and a four to seal the win with four balls to spare.

With this victory, India finished runners-up in the group behind South Africa to advance to the semi-finals, where they will face England. In the other semi-final, South Africa will take on England.

Earlier, West Indies posted 195 after being put in to bat. India were sloppy in the field, dropping three catches and missing a run-out opportunity, which made the contest tougher. Abhishek Sharma was guilty of spilling a straightforward chance.

Promoted to open unexpectedly, Roston Chase provided stability with 40 off 25 balls as West Indies reached 102-1 at one stage. However, Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide by dismissing Chase with a slower delivery.

Bumrah then removed Shimron Hetmyer for 27 to further dent the innings. Late fireworks from Rovman Powell (34*) and Jason Holder (37*) pushed West Indies to 195-4, but it ultimately proved insufficient as Samson’s brilliance carried India into the semi-finals.