March 3, 2026

India vs West Indies: Samson’s 97 Sends India into T20 WC Semis

India has maintained its stronghold against the West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating them by five wickets in the quarter-finals and qualifying for the semi-finals at Eden Gardens. Sanju Samson made a significant contribution to the team’s victory with an impressive effort of 97 runs not out, which caused a frenzy among the spectators. If you are monitoring the ball-by-ball updates following the game on SFM, you may also feel as if you are at the game with fellow viewers Ken and Steve watching from the comfort of their homes.

West Indies Fly High Early, Then Crash

After winning the toss, the West Indies batted first and got off to a tremendous start as well. The opening partners Shai Hope and Roston Chase reached the mandatory powerplay with no score of 45 runs and looked really comfortable playing the likes of Bumrah & Arshdeep who both delivered plenty of boundaries with relative ease.

Indian Bowlers Flip the Game

Varun Chakaravarthy took the first scalp when he took the wicket for Hope on 32 then Bumrah took the next 2—Chase and Hetmyer, who were both fast and furious. Hardik Pandya also took a wicket by taking Rufus out, and West Indies went from being cruisers at 102/2 to wobbly at 119/4. India had complete control over the match.

Powell and Holder Fire Late

With 34 runs off 19 balls from Rovman Powell and 37 runs off 22 balls from Jason Holder, they accumulated a 76-run partnership to help the West Indies reach 195/4. This is a good total on the quick outfield of Eden Gardens, but India will have opportunities to chase it if they maintain their composure and patience.

Samson’s Chase Takes Over Everything

India started off really well with two super huge sixes from Samson along with a four against Akeal Hosein in one over. Powerplay was finished after losing to Abhishek and Ishan at 53/2, while things were a little bit tight.

Smart Partnerships Keep It Steady

Samson teamed up with Suryakumar Yadav for 58 runs, playing safe but still finding boundaries. After SKY went, he added 42 more with Tilak Varma—no panic, just keeping the required rate in check.

Finishes It Like a Champion

97* off 50 balls—12 fours, 4 sixes, pure class hitting. He wrapped it up with a gorgeous lofted boundary over mid-on, four balls to spare. Stadium exploded! Spinmatch said it was one of India’s greatest T20 World Cup chases.

Bowlers Built the Base First

Bumrah’s magic in the middle, Varun’s tight lines, Hardik’s cutters—they held West Indies under 200. Without that start, Samson’s fireworks wouldn’t have shined so bright.

Semi-Final Showdown vs England

India topped the group and now faces England at Wankhede. With Samson on fire and bowling clicking, they’re walking in with total confidence.

That Unforgettable Eden Buzz

Final boundary—teammates pile on Samson, flags waving everywhere, chants going wild. It wasn’t just a win; it was India hitting peak form at the perfect moment.