Kolkata, March 2: Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, Team India has secured a spot in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026. On Sunday, at Eden Gardens, the Indian team triumphed over the West Indies by 5 wickets. Chasing a target of 196 runs set by the Caribbean team, India achieved the goal in 19.2 overs, losing 5 wickets in the process. This marks India’s largest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history.
Previously, India had successfully chased a target of 173 runs against South Africa in 2014, which stood as their biggest run chase in World Cup history until now. However, thanks to Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 runs, the Indian team shattered the 12-year-old record, making history in Kolkata. This chase is now the third-largest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history.
The Indian team’s start was shaky as Abhishek Sharma failed to impress again, scoring just 10 runs before getting out. Ishan Kishan also fell victim to Jason Holder, scoring 10 runs off 6 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav managed only 18 runs, and Tilak Varma contributed 27 runs before returning to the pavilion. However, Sanju Samson held firm, forming a crucial partnership with Hardik Pandya (17 runs) for the fifth wicket.
Samson faced 50 balls, hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes to score an unbeaten 97 runs. He now holds the record for the highest score while chasing runs for India in the T20 World Cup. The previous record was held by Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 82 runs against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Earlier, the West Indies set a target of 195 runs, losing 4 wickets in their 20 overs. Rostan Chase was the top scorer for the team with 40 runs, while Jason Holder remained not out with 37 runs. Team India will face England in the second semifinal on March 5. This marks the sixth time that the Indian team has reached the semifinals in the T20 World Cup.
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