Sanju Samson produced a masterclass under pressure as India national cricket team sealed a semifinal berth in the ICC T20 World Cup with a five-wicket win over the West Indies cricket team at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging 195 for four, India crossed the line at 199 for five in 19.2 overs in a Super Eight Group 1 clash that kept fans on edge till the final moments.
The pursuit began briskly with Abhishek Sharma striking a boundary off Akeal Hosein. Samson soon joined the charge, collecting a four and launching a slog-swept six. But the early momentum was disrupted when both Abhishek and Ishan Kishan were caught in the deep, with Shimron Hetmyer holding firm under pressure.
At 41 for two, India needed stability. Samson found an able partner in skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and the pair stitched together a crucial 58-run stand. Samson reached his half-century in style, while Suryakumar flicked Jason Holder for a towering six before falling to a catch by Sherfane Rutherford.
Samson continued to anchor the innings, receiving support from Tilak Varma. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking with calculated strokes, including a productive over off Shamar Joseph and a massive hit from Tilak against Roston Chase. However, Tilak’s dismissal to Hetmyer reignited tension.
With 50 required off 30 balls, the equation remained tight. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in with valuable contributions before Samson fittingly struck the winning runs. Overcome with emotion, he sank to the turf with arms raised — a gesture capturing relief and triumph.
Earlier, Suryakumar had opted to field after winning the toss. Shai Hope and Chase gave West Indies a steady start, countering spells from Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. Varun Chakaravarthy broke the stand by dismissing Hope, but late fireworks from Rovman Powell and Holder, who added an unbeaten 76-run partnership, lifted the visitors to a competitive total.
In the end, though, the night belonged to Samson. With the semifinal secured, India now turns its attention to a clash against England cricket team in Mumbai on Thursday.
