Sensational Sanju Samson helps India chase down record total vs West Indies to qualify for semifinals
3 min readMar 1, 2026 10:48 PM Sanju Samson’s sensational 50-ball 97 knock helped India chase down their biggest T20 World Cup total in a virtual quarterfinal clash against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, powering the Men in Blue to the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
In a pursuit of 196, Samson played one of his best knocks under pressure to give India a famous victory over the Windies. India will now face England in the second semifinal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 5th March.
FOLLOW LIVE | INDIA VS WEST INDIES T20 WORLD CUP 2026 SUPER 8 MATCH
Earlier, West Indies executed a clear attacking blueprint in their virtual quarterfinal against India as they rode on Roston Chase’s foundation before unleashing a late assault to post an imposing 195/4.
Chase, making full use of two reprieves, struck a fluent 40 off 25 balls as he added 68 runs for the opening wicket with Shai Hope (32 off 33).
The pair ensured early momentum with a measured yet proactive approach against the new ball.
India clawed back briefly when Jasprit Bumrah delivered a double strike in the 12th over to stall the charge. But the respite proved short-lived.Story continues below this ad
Rovman Powell (34 not out off 19 balls; 3×4, 2×6) and Jason Holder (37 not out off 22 balls; 2×4, 3×6) launched a ferocious counter-attack, stitching together an unbeaten 76-run stand for the fifth wicket off just 35 balls to provide the finishing flourish.
India bowled Bumrah in short bursts and holding him back for the death overs despite his middle-overs impact.
The strategy, however, misfired.
Powell took apart Arshdeep Singh for 24 runs in the 16th over, derailing India’s plans. Arshdeep finished with 0/43, while Bumrah was the standout bowler with 2/36.
In front of a packed Eden Gardens, India found themselves under early pressure in the high-stakes virtual quarterfinal as West Indies rode a fluent 68-run opening stand off 53 balls.Story continues below this ad
Highest successful chases in T20 World Cups
Team
Score
Opposition
Ground
Year
Target
England
230/8
v South Africa
Wankhede
2016
230
South Africa
208/2
v West Indies
Johannesburg
2007
206
India
199
v West Indies
Kolkata
2026
196
U.S.A.
197/3
v Canada
Dallas
2024
195
West Indies
196/3
v India
Wankhede
2016
193
Australia
197/7
v Pakan
Gros Islet
2010
192
Netherlands
193/4
v Ireland
Sylhet
2014
190
England
190/4
v Sri Lanka
Chattogram
2014
190
West Indies
183/4
v England
Wankhede
2016
183
New Zealand
183/5
v Afghanan
Chennai
2026
183
Sri Lanka
184/2
v Australia
Pallekele
2026
182
Australia
186/5
v Scotland
Gros Islet
2024
181
England
181/2
v West Indies
Gros Islet
2024
181
Zimbabwe
182/4
v Sri Lanka
Colombo (RPS)
2026
179
West Indies
179/4
v Australia
Mirpur
2014
179
Ireland
180/4
v Scotland
Hobart
2022
177
Australia
177/5
v Pakan
Dubai (DICS)
2021
177
South Africa
177/1
v West Indies
Ahmedabad
2026
177
Pakan
178/2
v Bangladesh
Pallekele
2012
176
South Africa
178/3
v New Zealand
Ahmedabad
2026
176
New Zealand
176/2
v Canada
Chennai
2026
174
New Zealand
175/0
v U.A.E.
Chennai
2026
174
India
176/4
v South Africa
Mirpur
2014
173
(With PTI inputs)
