Smashing Samson powers India to semifinals at T20 World Cup with five-wicket win over West Indies

India's Sanju Samson prays after guiding India to a brilliant victory against the West Indies. Cricket - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - Super 8 - India v West Indies - Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India - March 1, 2026. -- Photo: REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary

KOLKATA, India (AP): Defending champion and co-host India secured the last semifinal spot at cricket’s T20 World Cup after a five-wicket win over West Indies in the Super Eights on Sunday with four balls remaining.

After West Indies lost the toss and posted a challenging 195-4, opener Sanju Samson led India to 199-5 in 19.2 overs with a belligerent unbeaten 97 off 50 balls in front of a home crowd of 68,000 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.