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India witnessed a memorable night in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as Sanju Samson delivered a sensational unbeaten knock of 97 runs to guide India national cricket team to a thrilling chase of 196 against West Indies cricket team.
The victory not only secured India a place in the semifinal but also set up a blockbuster clash against England national cricket team on March 5 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Samson Leads a Record-Breaking Run Chase
Chasing a challenging target of 196, India got off to a steady start but lost early wickets. Despite the pressure, Samson anchored the innings brilliantly and remained unbeaten on 97 off 50 balls, finishing the chase in style.
Interestingly, Samson wasn’t even part of the playing 11 in the previous matches of the tournament. However, he seized the opportunity and produced one of the finest knocks in India’s T20 World Cup history.
Early Aggression Against Akeal Hosein
India had scored just 12 runs after two overs when Akeal Hosein came into the attack. Samson immediately shifted momentum in India’s favor.
He first made room to cut a delivery through the covers for a boundary. On the next few deliveries, Samson launched two massive sixes - one over deep backward square leg and another over deep mid-wicket - putting the West Indies bowlers under pressure and giving India early momentum.
Half-Century in Just 26 Balls
India lost both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan during the powerplay, leaving Samson to stabilize the innings.
Facing Jason Holder - a bowler who had dismissed him multiple times in the past - Samson counterattacked with confidence. He struck several boundaries across the next few overs and reached his maiden T20 World Cup half-century in just 26 balls with a towering six in the 10th over.
Middle Overs Pressure and Tilak’s Support
India briefly lost momentum when Suryakumar Yadav departed after scoring 18 runs. However, Samson found good support from Tilak Varma.
The duo attacked the bowling of Shamar Joseph and Roston Chase, adding crucial runs in the middle overs and bringing the equation down to 60 runs from the last 6 overs.
Tilak scored a quick 27 off 15 balls before being dismissed by a sharp catch from Shimron Hetmyer.
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Samson Finishes the Job in Style
With the chase entering the final phase, Hardik Pandya joined Samson at the crease and played a few aggressive shots to keep India on track.
Later, Shivam Dube also contributed with two important boundaries when India needed 17 runs from the last 10 balls.
In the final over, India required 7 runs. Samson, who had started the chase, fittingly finished it by smashing two boundaries to seal the victory and remain unbeaten on 97 (50).
Sanju Samson named the Player of the Match against West Indies for his incredible 97* in just 50 balls and also brilliant work behind the stumps taking Two Important and Good Catches! 🔥
— Possible11 (@Possible11team) March 1, 2026
The Calmness that Chetta Sanju Samson displayed tonight was remarkable and he has finally… pic.twitter.com/pgYWY9aJ2W
Highest Scores for India in a T20 World Cup Chase
Samson’s innings now stands among the greatest chases by an Indian batter in the tournament’s history.
- 97 – Sanju Samson vs West Indies (2026)
- 82 – Virat Kohli vs Pakistan (2022)
- 82 – Virat Kohli vs Australia (2016)
- 79 – Rohit Sharma vs Australia (2010)
- 78 – Virat Kohli vs Pakistan (2012)
- 72 – Virat Kohli vs South Africa (2014)
One of India’s Greatest T20 World Cup Innings
Samson’s composed yet aggressive knock not only helped India chase down a huge target but also cemented his place in T20 World Cup history.
His unbeaten 97 will be remembered as one of the finest match-winning innings by an Indian batter in a high-pressure run chase.
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