India edged past West Indies by five wickets in the 12th match of the Super Eight round of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. West Indies posted a huge total of 195/4 in 20 overs after being invited to bat first. Shai Hope and Roston Chase provided a blazing start and added 68 runs for the first wicket. However, West Indies lost a few wickets in an attempt to increase the run rate. A quick knock of 34 runs off just 19 balls by Rovman Powell and another 37 off 22 balls by Jason Holder helped West Indies reach a strong total. Jasprit Bumrah (2/36 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for India.

While chasing, India lost wickets at regular intervals, but Sanju Samson held one end firmly. He kept his composure and played some excellent shots. In the end, India successfully chased down the target with four balls to spare. Sanju Samson remained unbeaten on 97 off 50 balls.

India’s Bowling Restricts West Indies

India’s bowlers delivered disciplined spells to limit West Indies to 195 in a match that resembled the 2016 semi-final between these sides, when India were restricted to 193. West Indies captain Shai Hope struggled with a slow 33-ball 32, while the six-hitting order scored 163 runs in 14.3 overs, slightly above par for the conditions.

West Indies lacked extreme pace or mystery in their attack. They needed mistakes from India’s batters to gain an advantage, and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan offered a few errors. However, Samson played brilliantly, scoring 97 not out off just 50 balls. He reached his fifty in just 26 balls, his first in 13 innings, and kept his options safe with measured aggression. After guiding India to victory, Samson collapsed to his knees, looked at the sky, and crossed his heart in celebration.

West Indies Adjust Opening Strategy

West Indies tried a new opener, Roston Chase, in international cricket for the first time, hoping an off-spinner could challenge India’s left-hand batters. Chase handled the pressure well, punishing length errors from Arshdeep Singh, scooping Jasprit Bumrah, and sweeping Axar Patel. Meanwhile, Hope struggled against Axar, scoring only 15 runs off 13 balls and attempting just ten boundaries in his 33-ball innings.

India tactically rotated their bowlers, using Axar, Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy against West Indies’ big hitters. By the 9th over, West Indies had scored just 68 for 1, and six overs of spin from Bumrah and Varun awaited them in the last 11 overs.

Hetmyer and Powell Give Late Spark

West Indies middle order, led by Hetmyer and Powell, provided a late surge. Hetmyer hit two sixes in the 12th over to reclaim the record for most sixes in a single World Cup, surpassing Sahibzada Farhan’s 19. Jason Holder and Powell continued the assault, hitting 26 runs in the final two overs bowled by Bumrah and adding muscle to the total. Despite the late fireworks, India’s disciplined bowling kept the target within reach.

Samson Leads India’s Chase

Abhishek Sharma started steadily in the chase, scoring 12 without loss in the first two overs. Samson, however, was the dominant force, finding boundaries at crucial moments. Abhishek and Ishan Kishan fell to deep catches by Hetmyer, leaving India at 41 for 2 in 4.3 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav contributed only 18 off 16, as India stuck to their right-left combinations but faced left-arm spin challenges. Samson remained calm, accelerating when the required rate threatened to rise.

Overcoming Spin and Pressure

Facing offspin from Tilak Varma and Shamar Joseph in the final overs, Samson displayed his range. He struck a four, followed by a hat-trick of boundaries from Tilak and ended the over with a six. Tilak scored 27 off 15, helping India keep pace.

As the chase neared its final stages, Pandya was caught early in the 19th over, leaving India needing 17 off 10 balls. Shivam Dube calmed nerves with two boundaries in four balls. Samson finished the chase with a six and a four, sealing victory and calling it “one of the greatest days of my life.”

Samson’s innings was a masterclass in timing, restraint, and power hitting, showing why he remains a vital asset for India in must-win games.

Brief Scorecard