Kolkata, March 1 (NationPress) In a remarkable display of skill, Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking performance as India clinched a spot in the semi-finals with a dramatic five-wicket win over West Indies during their virtual quarter-final Super Eights encounter at Eden Gardens on Sunday. This successful chase now marks the highest ever in T20Is at this iconic venue.

Facing a daunting target of 196, Samson's unbeaten 97 was crucial in steering India to victory, finishing the match with four balls remaining, and setting the stage for a semi-final clash with England.

India's innings began precariously, losing openers Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan early in the powerplay. Despite a few early boundaries, both batters were unable to capitalize on their starts, leaving India at 53/2 after six overs.

As the pressure intensified in this must-win scenario, wicketkeeper-batter Samson took charge of the innings. He gradually gauged the conditions before accelerating the scoring, punishing any loose deliveries while maintaining the required run rate.

Samson received valuable support from Suryakumar Yadav, and together, they rebuilt the innings with calculated aggression. Samson reached a vital half-century off just 27 balls, displaying a mix of finesse and power to keep India firmly in contention.

Even after Suryakumar fell for 18, Samson remained composed. He formed another significant partnership with Tilak Varma, whose brisk 27 off 15 balls helped India stay ahead of the required rate.

The duo effectively countered the West Indies’ spinners, taking advantage of the dew and the slowing pitch to maintain the momentum in India's favor.

West Indies responded through Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph, dismissing Tilak and later Hardik Pandya, keeping the contest alive as the match approached its climax.

With 17 runs required off the last two overs, Samson exhibited remarkable poise, expertly managing the chase while Shivam Dube provided crucial support with important boundaries.

As the equation boiled down to seven runs needed in the final over, Samson ensured a smooth finish. He began by flicking Romario Shepherd for a towering six, leveling the scores before finishing the match with a stylish boundary over mid-on.

Key Statistics: India vs West Indies:

150: The total number of sixes (150) hit by Rovman Powell in T20Is, making him the first Caribbean player to reach this milestone, surpassing Nicholas Pooran’s record of 149 sixes.

76: The number of sixes hit by West Indies batters in the current World Cup, their highest in a single edition of the T20WC.

53/2: India’s score in the powerplay, while West Indies managed 45/0.

4: The number of half-centuries recorded by Sanju Samson in 60 T20I matches; this was his first in the T20 World Cup.

12: Sanju Samson (97*) achieved his first fifty-plus score after 12 innings, with his previous fifty (56) coming against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19, 2025.

97*: Sanju Samson’s score, which is now the highest ever for India in a T20 WC run chase, surpassing 82* by Virat Kohli against Australia in Mohali in 2016 and against Pakistan in Melbourne in 2022.

196: India’s highest successful chase in T20 WC history; previously, it was 173 against South Africa in Mirpur in 2014.

6: This marks the sixth time India has advanced to the semi-finals in T20 World Cups. Following Pakistan and England, India is now the third team to make six semi-final appearances in T20 World Cups.

3: Sanju Samson (97*) became the third Indian batter to score over 90 runs in a T20 WC innings, following Suresh Raina (101) against SA in Gros Islet in 2010 and Rohit Sharma (92) against Australia in Gros Islet in 2024.

5: India has played five T20Is against West Indies at Eden Gardens and has won all five.