Sanju Samson (97 n.o.) was the spine as India held its nerve on a Sunday (March 1, 2026) of delight at the Eden Gardens. The Men in Blue defeated the West Indies by five wickets in the ICC T20 Super Eight Group 1 match and sealed their semifinal berth. Chasing the visitor’s 195 for four, India finished with 199 for five in 19.2 overs.

Once India commenced its pursuit, Abhishek Sharma guided a four off Akeal Hosein. Samson cut loose against the left-arm spinner, picking a four, slog-sweeping a six, and yet the host was soon in a spot of bother.

Both Abhishek and Ishan Kishan holed out in the deep and Shimron Hetmyer, the fielder, revealed safe hands.

At 41 for two, the defending champion needed an alliance and Samson and Suryakumar Yadav stitched one worth 58. Samson carved his fifty and his skipper flicked a six off Jason Holder.

However, Suryakumar found Sherfane Rutherford on the fence. Samson battled on, often finding the fence and Tilak Varma gave him support. The two played along the turf, a Shamar Joseph over yielded a bouquet of fours, and Tilak launched Roston Chase into the stands.