Sunday, June 7, 2026
Sunday, June 7, 2026
T20 World Cup: West Indies knocked out as India seal semi-final spot
India secured a T20 World Cup semi-final showdown with England after a tense five-wicket victory over West Indies thanks to Sanju Samson’s scintillating unbeaten 97.
Samson produced a chanceless knock off 50 balls – hitting 12 fours and four sixes – as India chased down 196 in a thrilling winner-takes-all encounter to round off the Super 8 stage at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The tournament co-hosts’ triumph ensured they claimed the runners-up spot in Group 1 behind South Africa which sealed a meeting with Group 2 winners England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (13:30 GMT).
India had never chased more than 173 to win a World Cup match in the 20-over format, and were indebted to Samson’s level-headed approach.
Tilak Varma’s 27 off 15 balls was the next highest score by an India batter which underlined the composed manner in which Samson held together India’s reply.
Fittingly, Samson was there at the end to hit the winning runs – striking a six and then a four off Romario Shepherd to get India over the line with four balls to spare.
Earlier, India had been sloppy in the field after they had inserted West Indies which had allowed their opponents to post a competitive total.
There was tetchiness and a few cross words as India dropped three catches – Abhishek Sharma guilty of one particularly poor fumble – and a missed run-out chance.
Roston Chase was unexpectedly handed an opening slot and provided stability with his measured aggression – top-scoring with 40 off 25 – to help West Indies reach 102-1 before Jasprit Bumrah put the brakes on.
Bumrah outfoxed Chase with a slower ball then snared Shimron Hetmyer, West Indies’ standout batter in the tournament, for 27 with a delivery which angled across and took a thin edge as the left-hander tried to hit across the line.
Rovman Powell and Jason Holder reignited the innings with unbeaten knocks of 34 and 37 to help West Indies reach 195-4 but it did not prove to be enough once Samson settled in. (BBC)
