Brief scores: India (199/5 in 19.2 ov) beat West Indies (195/4 in 20 ov) by 5 wickets in Kolkata in a Super 8 match.
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was elated after Sanju Samson produced a masterclass against West Indies to guide India into the T20 World Cup semifinals. On Sunday, March 1, Samson smashed 97 off 50 balls, including 12 fours and four sixes, as India secured a five-wicket win at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Tharoor has long been one of Samson’s most vocal supporters, frequently backing the Kerala batter on social media during phases of selection setbacks and limited opportunities. Following the match-winning knock, while the nation celebrated India’s victory, Tharoor’s joy was particularly evident.
He praised Samson’s resilience and redemption, highlighting the batter’s perseverance through difficult phases and describing the innings as validation of the faith he has consistently shown in his talent over the years.
Tharoor wrote, “Bursting with pride and relief for @IamSanjuSamson after his superlative innings in today’s virtual quarterfinal against the WestIndies. I had suffered for him as earlier setbacks saw him lose his place in the side. Today he showed the world why he deserved to be there in the first place. Proud of Thiruvananthapuram’s native son, the Pride of India.”
BISHOP, TENDULKAR IN AWE OF SAMSON
Former West Indies cricketer and renowned commentator Ian Bishop lauded Samson with the words “Respect the Name,” echoing the iconic “Remember the Name” call he made for Carlos Brathwaite, who powered West Indies to a T20 World Cup triumph at the same venue in Kolkata a decade ago.
Bishop wrote, “Respect the name: Sanju Samson!!!”
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar said he was impressed by the calmness Samson displayed during the tense run chase.
Tendulkar wrote, “Semi-final spot on the line, and the boys handled it beautifully! Handling the final overs well in both innings gave us the edge. Sanju Samson’s calm presence at the crease was wonderful to watch. That kind of presence lifts a side. Brilliant effort from everyone. On to the semi-finals.”
Indian actor Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, also known as Mammootty, praised Samson as well.
Mammootty wrote, “What a knock, @IamSanjuSamson. Pure class. Pure dominance. A fearless statement on the biggest stage. Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for marching into the #T20WorldCup2026 Semi Final.”
SAMSON LIGHTS UP KOLKATA
Samson produced a career-defining innings to steer India past West Indies in a high-pressure Super 8 clash. With India struggling at 41 for 2 after early setbacks, the chase appeared daunting. Samson held firm, displaying composure and control to anchor the innings brilliantly. He managed the tempo expertly, ensuring the required rate never spiralled out of reach.
His vital 58-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav stabilised the chase, while timely contributions from Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube kept the momentum intact. With seven needed off the final over, Samson finished in style, smashing Romario Shepherd for a six before lofting the winning runs over mid-on.
India completed their highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history and the highest-ever T20I chase at Eden Gardens. The victory also served as redemption for their 2016 semifinal loss to West Indies, marking a record-breaking turnaround on a historic stage.
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