T20 World Cup: Samson's heroics help India register record-chase in Kolkata

While the cricketing world had its eyes set on stars like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, it was Sanju Samson who emerged as the unexpected hero for India in a thrilling encounter against West Indies. The opener delivered a breathtaking, match-winning 97* off just 50 balls, guiding the Men in Blue into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.  The knock helped India chase down what is now their highest ever successful run chase in T20 World Cups over the years. The 196-run chase surpassed India's previous run chase of 173 against South Africa in Mirpur during the 2014 edition, where they showcased their ability to chase under pressure. 

Highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup
Rank	Score	Team	Opponent	Venue	Year
1	230	England	South Africa	Wankhede	2016
2	206	South Africa	West Indies	Wanderers	2007
3	196	India	West Indies	Eden Gardens	2026*
4	195	USA	Canada	Dallas	2024
5	193	West Indies	India	Wankhede	2016

Playing only his third match in this year’s tournament, Samson ensured that India never strayed too far from their target despite facing multiple early setbacks in a daunting chase of 196. Each delivery seemed to test him, yet he remained composed, pacing his innings with maturity beyond his experience.  Sanju Samson’s fifty that came in just 26-balls in this high-stakes encounter marked his sixth fifty-plus score in T20 Internationals as a wicketkeeper-batter. With this achievement, he now leads the list of Indian wicketkeeper-batters with the most 50+ scores in the T20 format. 

Highest scores for India in T20 World Cups
Score	Player	Opponent	Venue	Year
101	Suresh Raina	South Africa	Gros Islet	2010
97*	Sanju Samson	West Indies	Eden Gardens	2026
92	Rohit Sharma	Australia	Gros Islet	2024
89*	Virat Kohli	West Indies	Wankhede	2016
84*	Suryakumar Yadav	USA	Wankhede	2026

   

Not being a first-choice opener for much of the tournament, Samson had quietly bided his time, waiting for the right moment to make an impact. That moment arrived in Kolkata, on a night when fans’ hopes had nearly evaporated. With India’s chances of winning hovering around a mere 27%, Samson stood like a pillar at one end, refusing to yield to pressure, and gradually transformed the improbable into reality.  His innings was not just about runs; it was a masterclass in patience, courage, and timing, proving that sometimes the greatest heroes emerge when the odds are stacked highest against them. 

He spoke about the ups and downs of his journey and the self-doubt he faced along the way:

"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."

Sanju on  approach to the chase and handling pressure  Samson explained his thought process during the chase. "So I think the last game we were batting first, so it was all about setting a very high score. So that’s how I wanted to go big right from ball one. But this game was completely different. I think as soon as I wanted to go a bit higher, we were losing wickets. So I think I wanted to build a partnership, wanted to keep focusing on my process. And I never felt that I will do something special like this, but I was just focusing on my role and just keeping one ball at a time and very grateful. I think this is one of the greatest days of my life." Samson said.

He also shared how he stayed present under the immense pressure of the chase. "Yeah, definitely they do bring a lot of energy and they do bring a lot of support. But I think on the other end, there is always a question, what if not? So definitely that keeps on playing in your mind. But when that thought kept on coming, I just brought myself into the present moment and just looked at the ball and trusted myself to react according to the ball in merit. So I think that worked out pretty well today." Samson explained.  India book semi-final date with England with 5-wicket win 

West Indies had set a daunting target, riding on a measured 40 from Roston Chase and a late flurry from Rovman Powell (34*, 19 balls) and Jason Holder (37*, 22 balls) to reach 195/4. Chase and Shai Hope (32 off 33) provided early momentum with a 68-run opening stand, while Jasprit Bumrah briefly stalled the innings with two wickets in the 12th over. Powell and Holder’s 76-run unbeaten partnership ensured West Indies posted a competitive total.

India’s chase began under pressure as early wickets fell cheaply. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (18), Tilak Varma (27), Hardik Pandya (17), Ishan Kishan (10), and Abhishek Sharma (10) all failed to convert starts. Samson steadied the innings with key partnerships—58 runs with Suryakumar and 42 with Tilak—keeping India in the hunt. His towering six over square leg in the 19th over brought parity, and a crisp four over mid-on sealed the win.

Samson’s masterclass under pressure, combined with Bumrah’s 2/36, proved decisive, while West Indies’ late charge fell short. India now face England in the semifinals at Wankhede Stadium on March 5.