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At a packed Eden Gardens, India<\/strong> held their nerve in a high-scoring thriller to defeat West Indies<\/strong> by five wickets in the Super 8 Group 1 clash of the ICC Men\u2019s T20 World Cup 2026<\/strong>. Chasing a daunting 196, the Men in Blue rode on a breathtaking 97 from Sanju Samson<\/strong><\/a> to seal the contest with four balls to spare and storm into the semi-finals.<\/p>\n After India won the toss and opted to bowl, West Indies made full use of the batting-friendly conditions. Shai Hope<\/strong> anchored the innings with a steady 32 off 33 balls, while Roston Chase<\/strong> injected momentum with a brisk 40 off just 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six. Shimron Hetmyer provided the early fireworks, smashing 27 off 12 balls, and Rovman Powell<\/strong> added a crucial 34 from 19.<\/p>\n The real push came in the death overs, where Jason Holder<\/strong><\/a> played a captain\u2019s knock. His unbeaten 37 off 22 balls, laced with three towering sixes, propelled West Indies to a formidable 195\/4 in 20 overs.<\/p>\n For India, Jasprit Bumrah<\/strong> was the standout performer with figures of 2\/36, removing key batters at crucial moments. Hardik Pandya<\/strong> and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with one wicket each, but Arshdeep Singh<\/strong> and Axar Patel<\/strong> proved slightly expensive on a flat track.<\/p>\n Chasing 196 under pressure, India had a shaky start as Abhishek Sharma<\/strong> departed for 10. However, what followed was pure class from Samson. The stylish right-hander played one of the finest knocks of the tournament, hammering 97 off just 50 balls. His innings was studded with 12 fours and four sixes, as he effortlessly pierced gaps and punished anything short.<\/p>\n Ishan Kishan<\/strong> and Suryakumar Yadav<\/strong> couldn\u2019t convert their starts, but Tilak Varma<\/strong>\u2019s aggressive 27 off 15 balls kept India ahead of the required rate. Pandya contributed 17, while Shivam Dube<\/strong>\u2019s quick 10 off 4 deliveries brought the equation down dramatically. With nerves creeping in during the final overs, Samson held firm before falling agonizingly short of a century. Nevertheless, India crossed the line at 199\/5 in 19.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium.<\/p>\n Holder (2\/38) and Shamar Joseph<\/strong> (2\/44) kept striking at intervals to keep the contest alive. Akeal Hosein<\/strong> also picked up a wicket, but the target proved just out of reach as Samson\u2019s brilliance overshadowed their efforts. With this five-wicket victory, India confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. The chase showcased their depth, composure, and big-match temperament.<\/p>\n Also WATCH: Sikandar Raza cleans up Aiden Markram with a carrom ball stunner in ZIM vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 clash<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Respect the name: Sanju Samson!!!<\/p>\n \u2014 Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n India v England semi final in #Mumbai<\/a> .. Doesn\u2019t get any better .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup<\/a> .. India very impressive with the Bat against the West Indies .. they are still the team to beat in this tournament .. \ud83d\udc4d<\/p>\n \u2014 Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Today @IamSanjuSamson<\/a> has made all of us proud. Critical breakthroughs by @Jaspritbumrah93<\/a> also helped Team India. Congratulations #MenInBlue<\/a> for the wonderful win. Our hearts stopped several times throughout the match but all is well that ends well. Happy for #TeamIndia<\/a>. Best\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n If we ever needed reminding, #SanjuSamson<\/a> has reminded us that you never write off class. He is a very special cricketer but today the quality lay in his maturity, in the responsibility to be there at the end<\/p>\n \u2014 Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Well played, boys! \ud83d\ude4c Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit, and a true champions\u2019 mindset on display. One step closer to glory \u2014 let\u2019s bring it home! \ud83d\udc99\ud83c\udfcf<\/p>\n Pure dominance from @IamSanjuSamson<\/a> \ud83d\udd25#TeamIndia<\/a> \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 #WorldCup<\/a> #SemiFinals<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Suresh Raina\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 (@ImRaina) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n hey i\u2019ve seen this one \ud83e\udd7a pic.twitter.com\/xcOPy7uP9U<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Hatt jao, Sanju bhai aaj mission par hai! \ud83d\ude0c#INDvWI<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/E4lM0JdfAk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Top gear, Sanju \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd \u2014 Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Must-win game. ENTER SANJU SAMSON \ud83e\udd0c\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/JAY63sYoWM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That’s one of the best run chases under pressure , Sanju you beauty #INDvsWI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Must-win game \ud83d\udcaa \u2014 Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A knock of maturity \ud83e\udee1 \u2014 Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Player of the Match: Sanju Samson \ud83d\udd25#cricket<\/a> #INDvWI<\/a> #T20WorldCup<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CfSJ1OJAmg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n No hype. No PR. Just pure class. \ud83d\udc51<\/p>\n Sanju Samson plays the game with elegance, patience & fearless intent. If you believe talent outlives noise, \u2014 Pratik S Patil (@Liberal_India1) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Sanju Samson the man for India in a do or die game. Focus is never on him but he proves to be the game-changer.<\/p>\n \u2014 Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Sanju Samson has played many knocks that have often been overlooked. Today\u2019s the day to stamp his class and play the innings that no one should ever forget. He\u2019s got a start too, make it count. #INDvsWI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n When it matters most, Sanju Samson is playing the innings of his life for India in the World Cup. \u2014 Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Not a single shot in the air from the 12th to 19th overs Proper chasing masterclass.<\/p>\n \u2014 Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Cometh the hour, cometh Sanju Samson! \ud83e\udee1<\/p>\n 9\u20e37\u20e3*(50) \u2013 A knock for the ages to take #TeamIndia<\/a> into the semi-finals \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n Scorecard \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/ur4pr8Bi3K<\/a>#T20WorldCup<\/a> | #MenInBlue<\/a> | #INDvWI<\/a> | @IamSanjuSamson<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ftJRp2wMTE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n STAND UP AND SALUTE SANJU SAMSON.\ud83e\udee1 pic.twitter.com\/SAAHWUaTYB<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Selfless\u2074\u2075 (@SelflessCricket) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nWest Indies post imposing 195 after late surge<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Sanju Samson\u2019s masterclass lights up Kolkata<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Here\u2019s how fans reacted<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The selection noise was loud, but his response was louder\u2026 even though he delivered in silence and not showing his emotions. Amidst pressure and expectation, he found stillness. That steady head, effortless balance and timing as pure as it gets. What a\u2026<\/p>\n\n
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Chettan in full flow \ud83d\udd25\ud83e\udd81
5\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e3* #WhistlePodu<\/a> #T20WorldCup<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Excellent innings under immense pressure \ud83d\ude4c#INDvWI<\/a> #SanjuSamson<\/a> #T20WorldCup<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Q1biIYVBX6<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Dropped, doubted, yet never broken.<\/p>\n
you\u2019re already a Sanju fan. \ud83d\udc99#sanjusamson<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/GIR4JNt2nE<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav\u2026.4 T20 World Cups and 1 ODI World Cup played\u2026India is still waiting for a moment to trust you on the big stage.<\/p>\n\n
Low risk boundaries,controlled batting from Sanju Samson. <\/p>\n\n
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