In another thrilling Super 8 clash (Match 52) of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India defeated West Indies by five wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
India’s bowling performance was disciplined yet rather expensive. Jasprit Bumrah was the star, taking 2/36 and making vital breakthroughs in the middle overs. Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya each claimed one wicket. While Arshdeep Singh was expensive with 43 runs and seven wides, Axar Patel maintained relative control during the middle innings. Despite West Indies’ strong finish, India managed to limit the damage just enough to keep the aim in reach, a margin that eventually proved pivotal.
India’s chase hinged on Sanju Samson’s (97*) amazing unbeaten knock. Samson controlled the innings with 12 fours and four sixes, keeping a strike rate of 194 and skilfully managing the chase. He received help at crucial moments, with Tilak Varma (27) and Hardik Pandya (17)’s quick-fire knocks providing momentum in the middle overs. Even after a pair of quick wickets, Samson remained calm and finished the job with Shivam Dube, ensuring India over the line with four balls to spare. India’s run rate of 10.29 highlighted their aggressive yet managed approach to the chase.
West Indies struck an impressive 195/4 in 20 overs, aided by important contributions from the middle order. Skipper Shai Hope (32) led the innings with a solid knock, forming a key 68-run opening partnership with Roston Chase (40). Chase altered gears beautifully, while Shimron Hetmyer (27) injected momentum with a blistering firing. However, the true acceleration occurred in the dying overs, when Rovman Powell (34) and Jason Holder (37) forged an undefeated 76-run partnership in only 35 balls, raising the scoring rate to 9.75. Despite the strong end, West Indies may have fallen 10-15 runs short, given their platform and late charge.
The West Indies spinners made early inroads, dismissing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan during the powerplay. Jason Holder (2/38) and Shamar Joseph (2/42) took crucial middle-order wickets to keep the fight alive. However, inconsistencies at death proved expensive. Romario Shepherd allowed 34 runs in 2.2 overs, as the attack struggled to stop Sanju Samson’s onslaught. Akeal Hosein provided control with one wicket, but India’s lack of continuous pressure in the second half allowed them to comfortably complete the chase.
Sanju Samson was adjudged the Player of the Match for his spectacular show. With this win, India have qualified for the semi-finals and will take on England at the Wankhede Stadium on March 5.
Scorecard:
West Indies: 195/4, Overs 20, Roston Chase 40, Jasprit Bumrah 2/36
India: 199/5, Overs 19.2, Sanju Samson 97*, Jason Holder 2/38
