The India coach also pointed out that playing conditions during the tournament were different from what teams often experience in bilateral contests
The knock helped India chase down what is now their highest ever successful run chase in T20 World Cups over the years.
Facing a challenging target of 196, Samson's innings was a masterclass in composure and controlled aggression, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, and carried India to 199/5 in 19.2 overs.
India semifinal match date and time: In the second semifinal of T20 World Cup 2026, England will face Suryakumar Yadav's Team India on March 5 (Thursday) at 7 PM IST.
The Proteas chased down 154 in 17.5 overs to carry their unbeaten run into the semifinal against New Zealand in Kolkata.
When asked about clarity over travel plans, Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons said: "No, not that I've heard of. When we started the game there wasn't anything."
For the two-time champions WI, this contest is nothing short of do-or-die, as a loss would end their campaign in the tournament.
Hetmyer broke the record of Pakistan's Shahbazada Farhan, who reached the 18-sixes mark earlier on Saturday
With a semifinal berth at stake, the clash is finely balanced. West Indies bring explosive firepower, while India look in form and will seek to exploit batting-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens.
The tournament has witnessed four centuries so far, which is the highest in any single edition of the tournament
ICC T20 World Cup HIGHLIGHTS: South Africa will now face New Zealand in the semifinal 1 match in Kolkata on March 4
Both India and West Indies have two points from two matches, and the winning side will become the fourth and final team to qualify for the semifinals
India will look to keep their title defence alive by qualifying for the semifinals with a win over the West Indies
South Africa will look to extend their unbeaten streak with a win over Zimbabwe in Delhi
India vs West Indies: Finger spin challenges India, wrist spin troubles WI in race for final semifinal berth; will Varun Chakaravarthy's form shape India's fate?
South Africa will look to remain unbeaten with a win over Zimbabwe in their last Super 8 match of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Zimbabwe will be keen to end their Super 8 campaign with a win on Sunday
Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down as Sri Lanka's head coach in the wake of his team's abysmal performance in the T20 World Cup.
ICC T20 World Cup HIGHLIGHTS: Pakistan failed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below to surpass New Zealand's net run rate as the Kiwis join England as the second team from Group 2 in the semifinals
Top two teams from Group 2 qualified for the semi-finals after the end of the Super 8 round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026