KOLKATA, India: India booked their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after a five-wicket win over West Indies in a Super Eights clash at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 196, the hosts crossed the line with four balls to spare, thanks to a masterful unbeaten 97 from right-handed opener Sanju Samson.
His 50-ball knock, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, anchored India’s innings under pressure.
India’s chase
Samson was well supported by Tilak Varma, who struck 27 off 15 deliveries, while captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya contributed 18 and 17 runs respectively.
Despite early setbacks, with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan dismissed cheaply, India maintained composure.
Samson guided the chase steadily, ensuring India remained ahead of the required run rate.
India captain Yadav’s decision to field first initially backfired as West Indies posted a formidable 195/4.
West Indies set strong target
West Indies openers Shai Hope and Roston Chase provided a solid start, putting on 68 runs for the first wicket before Hope was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy for 32.
Chase was joined briefly by Shimron Hetmyer, who struck 27 from 12 balls, hitting two sixes, before falling in the same over as Chase to Jasprit Bumrah.
Sherfane Rutherford added 24 before Hardik Pandya trapped him, reducing West Indies to 119/4.
However, Rovman Powell and Jason Holder rescued the innings with a rapid unbeaten 76-run partnership off just 35 balls.
Holder ended 37 not out, striking three sixes and two fours, while Powell remained 34 not out with two sixes and three fours.
Bowling highlights
Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling attack, taking two key wickets for 36 runs in four overs.
Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya claimed one wicket each, helping to contain West Indies’ middle order.
India to face England in semi-final
The victory marks India’s second win in the Super Eights stage, ensuring progression to the semi-finals alongside South Africa, who topped Group 1 after winning all three of their fixtures.
India will now meet England in the last four on March 5.
India Playing XI
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
West Indies Playing XI
Roston Chase, Shai Hope (capt & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
