India advances to T20 World Cup semifinals with 5-wicket win over West Indies

India Advances to World Cup Semifinals with Win Over West Indies

In a thrilling match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India secured a five-wicket win over the West Indies, advancing to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. The decisive innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who scored 97 not out off 12 fours and four sixes.

Samson’s calm demeanor under pressure allowed him to take control of the innings after India lost star batter Abhishek Sharma in the third over. He hit regular boundaries throughout his 50-ball knock, receiving brief support from other Indian batters before Tilak Varma scored 27 off 15 balls in a partnership with Samson.

The West Indies were given a swift start by an opening partnership of 68 runs between captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase. However, the innings was eventually brought to an end when India reduced them to 119-4 in the 15th over. A strong finish from Rovman Powell and Jason Holder took the match to 195.

The West Indies’ bowling struggled to control the flow of runs off Samson’s bat, with pacers Shamar Joseph and Jason Holder picking up two wickets apiece. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav scored 18, while Hardik Pandya contributed 17.

With this win, India will face England in the second semifinal on Thursday in Mumbai, while New Zealand and South Africa will meet in the first last-four match on Wednesday in Kolkata.

Source: Al Jazeera