India advanced to the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating West Indies by five wickets in their Super 8 clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chasing a target of 196, India reached 199 for 5 in 19.2 overs to confirm their place in the last four.
Samson’s Record-Breaking Knock
Sanju Samson top-scored with 97 off 50 balls, an innings that included a flurry of boundaries and sixes at a strike rate of 194.00.
Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 in the Super 8 clash against West Indies is now the highest individual score by an Indian batter in a successful run chase in T20 World Cup history.
The previous record was jointly held by Virat Kohli, who had scored 82* against Australia in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup and 82* against Pakistan in Melbourne in the 2022 edition.
Samson was named Player of the Match for his innings. At the post-match presentation, he said, “The wicket was good to bat on. The plan was to stay till the end and finish the game. I am happy I could contribute in a crucial match.”
West Indies Post 195 for 4
Earlier, West Indies posted 195 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs after being put in to bat. Roston Chase led their batting effort with 40 off 25 balls, providing momentum in the middle overs. The West Indies top order laid a steady platform before accelerating in the death overs to push the total close to the 200-mark.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s most effective bowler, returning figures of 2 for 36 in his four overs. He struck at key moments to prevent West Indies from crossing the 200-run threshold.
India’s Chase
Chasing 196, India completed the target at 199 for 5 in 19.2 overs to secure a five-wicket win. The required run rate at the start of the innings was 9.80 per over.
India reached 98 for 2 at the halfway mark (10 overs), maintaining a scoring rate of 9.80 per over at that stage.
India lost wickets at intervals and were reduced to five down before the target was reached. Jason Holder was the most successful West Indies bowler during the chase with figures of 2 for 38 in four overs. Despite wickets at intervals, the scoring rate remained steady.
From 98 for 2 at 10 overs, India added 101 runs in the next 9.2 overs to complete the chase.
Semifinal Qualification
The first semifinal is set for March 4 at 7:00 PM (local time) between New Zealand and South Africa.
India will feature in the second semifinal against England, scheduled for March 5. The match will be played at 7:00 PM (local time), in Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
– Magizh
