Samson stars as India knock out West Indies to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

Samson smashed 12 fours and four sixes in a blistering 50-ball knock as India chased down the daunting target of 196, finishing at 199/5 with four balls to spare in front of a roaring home crowd.

Asked to bat first after losing the toss, West Indies began cautiously before Roston Chase injected momentum with a brisk 40 off 25 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer contributed a quick 27 to stabilise the innings.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck crucial blows to remove both set batters, but Rovman Powell (34 off 19 balls) and Jason Holder (37 not out off 22 balls) stitched an unbeaten 76-run partnership for the fifth wicket to propel the Caribbean side to a formidable 195/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah stars with the ball during West Indies batting. Photo: BCCI/X

In reply, India’s chase revolved around Samson, who brought up his maiden T20 World Cup half-century in just 26 balls. He forged vital partnerships with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma to keep the hosts firmly on track.

Although West Indies briefly threatened a comeback with the wickets of Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya in the space of a few overs, Shivam Dube eased the pressure with two timely boundaries.

Samson then fittingly sealed the victory in style, smashing a towering six and a boundary off Romario Shepherd in the final over to eliminate West Indies from the tournament.

Tilak Varma (L) and Sanju Samson (R) during their crucial partnership. Photo: BCCI/X

India’s triumph marked a strong rebound after their defeat to South Africa in the opening Super 8 match, followed by two consecutive must-win victories to secure a semi-final berth.

Group 1 topper South Africa will face New Zealand in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens on March 4, while India will take on Group 2 leader England in the second semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

(Photos: BCCI/X)