Kolkata: India have secured a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals after defeating West Indies by five wickets in a tense Super 8 encounter at Eden Gardens. The result has set up a semi-final showdown with England as India continue their defence of the T20 World Cup title.
Chasing 196 in a winner-takes-all contest, India have relied on Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 from 50 balls. Samson’s innings, which included 12 fours and four sixes, anchored the chase and ensured India overhauled the target with four balls to spare. The knock has marked one of the defining moments of the T20 World Cup campaign.
Tilak Varma’s 27 from 15 deliveries provided brief support, but Samson largely carried the responsibility. India had never previously chased more than 173 to win a men’s T20 World Cup match, highlighting the significance of the achievement.
Earlier, West Indies posted 195 for 4 after India opted to field. Roston Chase made 40 from 25 balls, while Rovman Powell and Jason Holder added unbeaten contributions of 34 and 37 respectively. Jasprit Bumrah removed Chase and Shimron Hetmyer to slow the scoring, but West Indies finished strongly.
India’s fielding had been inconsistent, with dropped catches and a missed run-out chance allowing West Indies to build momentum. However, Samson’s composed approach steadied the innings under pressure from a packed crowd in Kolkata.
The victory has ensured India finish runners-up in Group 1 behind South Africa, securing a T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Mumbai. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, India have kept their title defence alive and remain firmly in contention for another global crown.
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