Sanju Samson Batting Highlights: Sanju Samson’s 97 Powers India Into T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Knockout cricket. Packed stands. A chase touching 200. And at the centre of it all - Sanju Samson, cool as ever.

India booked their T20 World Cup semi-final spot with a heart-thumping five-wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens, pulling off a 196-run chase that swung like a pendulum until the very last over.

The prize? A last-four showdown with England at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium.

West Indies Throw the First Punch

Asked to bat, West Indies built steadily before exploding at the finish. Roston Chase's classy 53 and Shai Hope's composed 42 set the base, but it was the late fireworks from Rovman Powell and Jason Holder that truly lit up the evening.

From a manageable 125/4 after 15 overs, the Caribbean power-hitters launched a ferocious assault. Powell muscled boundaries at will, Holder cleared the ropes with ease, and suddenly 170 looked small. By the time the innings closed at 195/4, India had been handed a serious examination.

Early Wobbles, Rising Pressure

India's chase did not begin smoothly. Abhishek Sharma fell early. Ishan Kishan followed. When Suryakumar Yadav departed, the tension inside Eden Gardens was almost tangible.

At 99/3, the equation was stiff. The asking rate was climbing. West Indies sensed control.

Enter Sanju Samson.

Samson's Symphony Under Lights

Samson didn't panic. He paced the innings like a master conductor. Crisp drives through cover. Effortless pick-up shots over mid-wicket. Calm singles when needed. Brutal boundaries when demanded.

Tilak Varma added spark with a quickfire 33, and Hardik Pandya's cameo kept India moving. But wickets at intervals kept the drama alive.

With two overs left, the game was still hanging by a thread.

Seven needed off the final over.

Romario Shepherd ran in.

• First ball - length missed. Samson launched it into the night sky for six. Scores level.
• Next ball - full again. This time whipped through mid-wicket for four.

Game over.

Eden Gardens erupted.

Bowlers Set the Stage

Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah had delivered a key double strike to stall West Indies' middle overs charge. Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel kept things tight through the middle, ensuring the late assault didn't push the total beyond reach.

Despite conceding 70 in the final five overs, India never completely lost grip - and their batting unit ensured the damage stayed repairable.

Semi-Final Beckons

India now march into the semi-finals with momentum and belief. The clash against England promises another heavyweight contest, this time under the lights in Mumbai.

But for now, this night belongs to Sanju Samson - 97 not out, nerves of steel, and a finish worthy of the biggest stage.

From wobble to roar, from doubt to delight - India are alive and kicking in the World Cup.