Samson scores an unbeaten 97 as the West Indian bowlers struggle in Kolkata, paving the way for India to secure a spot in the World Cup semifinal against England.
Sanju Samson delivered one of the most composed performances amidst the tension of a run chase, leading India to a five-wicket victory over the West Indies in Kolkata and securing a spot in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup.
Samson, who made his return to the Indian playing XI in the last match after being sidelined for the previous three games, remained unbeaten on 97 as India secured a remarkable victory in front of a full house at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
The wicketkeeper-batter was the sole Indian player to achieve over 30 runs as the reigning champions confronted the Maroons in a crucial Super Eight match where the stakes were high.
During the match, Samson achieved the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup run chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 82 against Australia in 2016 and against Pakistan in 2022.
The cohosts are set to compete against England in the second semifinal in Mumbai on Thursday, while New Zealand will clash with South Africa in the first semifinal match on Wednesday in Kolkata.
Samson’s composed attitude amidst a challenging target and an eager home audience set the stage for India’s pursuit after they lost key player Abhishek Sharma in the third over.
The 31-year-old player from southern India seized control of the match, consistently finding the boundary during his 50-ball innings. Samson finished with an impressive 97 not out, which included 12 fours and four sixes.
Although he received some temporary backing from the top and middle order batsmen of India, none managed to exceed the 20-run threshold until Tilak Varma achieved 27 runs off 15 deliveries in a partnership worth 42 runs with Samson.
Suryakumar Yadav (18) and Hardik Pandya (17) also played significant roles in the total, which was finalized with two boundaries hit by Samson in the final over.
Promotion
West Indian bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jason Holder each claimed two wickets while their fellow teammates found it challenging to stem the tide of runs scored by Samson.
Previously, a solid 68-run opening stand from captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase provided the West Indies with a rapid beginning to their innings against India.
Chase, who hit 40 runs off 25 deliveries, was the more assertive of the two openers, capitalizing on his dropped catch by Abhishek Sharma to challenge Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah during the initial six overs.
Hope was out for 32 runs following a lackluster performance and was substituted by the in-form Shimron Hetmyer.
The fifth-ranked leading run-scorer of the cricket tournament raced to 27 runs off just 12 deliveries before being dismissed caught behind off Bumrah’s bowling.
India appeared to have the upper hand as the West Indies found themselves at 119-4 by the 15th over. However, a powerful finish from Rovman Powell and Jason Holder propelled the 2012 and 2016 champions to a total of 195.
Powell remained not out at 34 while Holder scored 37 off 22 deliveries, as they aimed to exert pressure on the pre-tournament favorites in front of a full house at Eden Gardens.
Bumrah stood out among the Indian bowlers, claiming two vital wickets in his four-over spell.
Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy took the remaining two wickets of the West Indies players.
