Sanju Samson – the last man standing to chase. Kolkata’s Eden Gardens witnessed an innings for the ages as India chased down 196 in a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies on Sunday night.
Carrying his bat through the innings, Samson struck a magnificent unbeaten 97 to steer the defending champions into the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
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It was only his third innings of the tournament, but when the moment demanded steel and self-belief, Samson delivered. He sealed the win with a boundary, dropped to his knees, removed his helmet and folded his hands in gratitude to the Almighty. His 97 not out, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, is now the highest score by an Indian batter in a successful chase in T20 World Cups. This celebration of Samson went viral on social media.
"It means the whole world, actually, to me. I think right from the day I started playing, I started dreaming of playing for the country. I think this is the day I was waiting for. And I’m very grateful, very thankful," Sanju said after winning the Player of the Match award.
“And I’ve always had a very special journey with lots of ups and downs, but I’ve kept on doubting myself, kept on thinking, what if, what if, can I make it, can I make it? But I kept on believing, and thanks to the Lord Almighty for actually blessing me today. So I’m very happy," he added.
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The chase under pressure
India were rocked early at 41-2 but never lost sight of the target. Samson rebuilt calmly with captain Suryakumar Yadav (18), the pair adding 58 crucial runs. Tilak Varma’s brisk 27 off 15 kept the momentum alive before departing with 55 still required. Even when Hardik Pandya fell for 17, Samson remained composed, guiding India home with four balls to spare.
Earlier, the West Indies had surged late thanks to an unbeaten 76-run stand between Jason Holder (37* off 22) and Rovman Powell (34* off 19). Promoted opener Roston Chase made 40, while Shimron Hetmyer contributed 27. Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Shai Hope for 32, and Jasprit Bumrah struck at key moments, though India’s fielding lapses saw three catches go down.
But on a night of nerves and noise, it was Samson’s belief that shone brightest, a knock that may well define his World Cup journey.
