admin 
Kolkata, March 2: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson delivered a sensational unbeaten 97-run innings against West Indies national cricket team to guide India national cricket team to a thrilling five-wicket victory in the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight clash at Eden Gardens.
The crucial win secured India’s place in the tournament semi-finals and eliminated West Indies from the competition.
Samson Steps Up in Must-Win Clash
Facing criticism after a lean run with the bat, Samson responded with one of the finest innings of his T20 international career. He anchored India’s chase under pressure and remained unbeaten till the end, completing India’s highest successful run chase in a T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens.
His calm approach and controlled stroke play helped India handle tense final overs and seal victory comfortably.
Sachin Tendulkar Praises Samson’s Calm Presence
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar applauded Samson’s composure and match awareness, calling his presence at the crease “wonderful to watch.”
Tendulkar highlighted how India handled pressure moments efficiently and credited the team’s strong finishing effort for the win.
Semi-final spot on the line, and the boys handled it beautifully!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 1, 2026
Handling the final overs well in both innings gave us the edge. Sanju Samson’s calm presence at the crease was wonderful to watch. That kind of presence lifts a side.
Brilliant effort from everyone. On to the… https://t.co/Y5874i9v2d
Former Cricketers Hail Match-Winning Performance
Several former Indian stars praised Samson’s outstanding knock:
- Harbhajan Singh said Samson made the entire nation proud while also appreciating key breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah.
- Irfan Pathan described the innings as the best of Samson’s career, praising his maturity in a high-pressure game.
- Mohammad Kaif called Samson India’s game-changer in do-or-die situations.
- Shikhar Dhawan said Samson stepped up when the team needed him the most.
- Suresh Raina labelled the innings as “pure dominance.”
West Indies legend Ian Bishop also praised the batter, urging fans to “respect the name.”
Today @IamSanjuSamson has made all of us proud. Critical breakthroughs by @Jaspritbumrah93 also helped Team India. Congratulations #MenInBlue for the wonderful win. Our hearts stopped several times throughout the match but all is well that ends well. Happy for #TeamIndia. Best…
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 1, 2026
Record-Breaking Knock in T20 World Cup
With his unbeaten 97*, Samson registered:
- Second-highest individual score by an Indian in T20 World Cups
- Highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup run chase
- First instance of remaining unbeaten while opening in a T20 chase
He surpassed Virat Kohli’s previous record score of 82 in T20 World Cup run chases.
Well played, boys! 🙌 Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit, and a true champions’ mindset on display. One step closer to glory — let’s bring it home! 💙🏏
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 1, 2026
Pure dominance from @IamSanjuSamson 🔥#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #WorldCup #SemiFinals
India Marches Into Semi-Finals
India’s victory confirmed their semi-final qualification while ending West Indies’ campaign. Bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, provided early breakthroughs before Samson finished the job with the bat.
With momentum on their side, Team India now moves one step closer to lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.
About The Author
