Team India etched a new chapter in T20 World Cup lore, defeating West Indies by 5 wickets to storm into the 2026 semifinals. Chasing 196 at Eden Gardens, they achieved their biggest-ever successful pursuit, eclipsing a 12-year milestone in a match that had it all – drama, records, and sheer dominance.
West Indies batted first, reaching 195/4 thanks to Chase’s 40 and Holder’s gritty 37*. India’s reply started shakily: Sharma (10), Kishan (10/6b), Yadav (18), Varma (27) departed in quick succession. But Sanju Samson turned the tide with an explosive unbeaten 97 from 50 deliveries, featuring 12 fours and 4 maximums.
Samson’s masterpiece – the highest chase score by an Indian in T20 WCs – dethroned Kohli’s 82* from 2022. Partnering with Pandya (17), he built a match-winning half-century stand. Finishing in 19.2 overs, this ranks as the tournament’s third-best chase ever, topping India’s 2014 effort of 173 vs South Africa.
With six semis under their belt, India eyes England on March 5. Yadav’s captaincy shone through in pressure moments, proving why India remains a cricketing powerhouse. This historic win fuels hopes of ending their T20 WC drought.