West Indies bowed out of T20 World Cup 2026 after India clinched a dramatic five-wicket victory in their Super-8 encounter on Sunday in Kolkata. Captain Shai Hope singled out Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 (50 balls, 12×4, 4×6) as the difference-maker, praising the Indian’s brilliance in overhauling 196.
The Caribbean outfit set a strong platform with 195/4 batting first. However, India’s chase was clinical, wrapping up the target in 19.2 overs on a true surface.
Post-match, Hope analyzed candidly: ‘We probably needed more on the board – this is a chasing paradise. Extra runs late on were missed. Samson was phenomenal; he deserves all the plaudits. A bit more, and it might’ve been ours.’
Bumrah’s 2/36 proved decisive, breaking a threatening Hetmyer (27)-Chase (40) alliance. ‘He’s lethal,’ Hope said of the Indian pacer. ‘That over was the turning point, nabbing Hetmyer when he was peaking. Game swung there, though 190 kept us in it.’
Hope hailed his bowlers: ‘Tournament-long, our attack was top-notch. Powerplay control, adaptability everywhere. Akeal was a star, Motie gelled back seamlessly. We faltered at the death.’
Regret tinged his words on progression: ‘Hate bowing out here. One victory from semis – wide open after that. Boys elevated our game. Key now: seize big moments, deliver peak cricket consistently.’
As India marches on, West Indies exits with heads high, buoyed by Hope’s leadership and glimpses of potential.