'The day I was waiting for': Sanju Samson reflects on match-winning knock against West Indies

Samson's unbeaten knock of 97 guided India ⁠to a crucial chase of 196 against the West Indies, sealing victory with ⁠four balls to spare in a must-win game on ‌Sunday.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson’s match-winning innings guided India to a five-wicket victory over West Indies in a Super 8s knockout clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday, sealing their place in the semifinals.

Sanju Samson

Samson's unbeaten 97 led India's chase of 196 against the West Indies in the last Super Eights and will now play a semi-final in Mumbai.

Sanju Samson

Samson paced his innings to perfection and had more than a billion Indian fans erupting in joy on Sunday night when he hit Romario Shepherd for a six and four to complete the chase at Eden Gardens.

Team India

Defending champions ⁠India, who will play in the semis for the third straight time, will ‌face England in Mumbai on March 5, ​a day after South Africa takes on New Zealand in the first semi-final.

Sanju Samson

"It means the whole world to me. Right from the day I started playing, started dreaming to play for the country, I think this is the day I was waiting for," said player-of-the-match Samson. His 50-ball knock included four sixes and 12 boundaries.

Sanju Samson

A West Indies player was spotted crossing the pitch to congratulate Sanju Samson right after India’s hard-fought T20 World Cup win.

Sanju Samson

West Indies wicket keeper Shai Hope was the first to reach Sanju Samson with a smile and a handshake after the win.

Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya

The Indian cricketers stood together in a proud line-up to welcome Sanju Samson, offering a standing ovation for his masterclass against the West Indies. In this photo, Hardik Pandya is seen hugging Sanju Samson.

Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav

Eden Gardens witnessed a moment for the ages when Suryakumar Yadav stopped in his tracks and gave a deep, respectful bow to Sanju Samson.

Gautam Gambhir and Sanju Samson

In a rare show of emotion, Gautam Gambhir celebrated Sanju Samson’s heroics with a warm hug, sealing a historic night at Eden Gardens.