A blistering knock from Sanju Samson has put India on the brink of victory in a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against West Indies, turning the virtual quarter-final into a near-formality on Sunday.
Chasing a stiff target of 196, India raced to 189/5 after 19 overs, with Samson and Shivam Dube at the crease.
Samson brought up his half-century in just 26 balls and was closing in on a century with a commanding display of strokeplay.
Tilak Varma provided crucial momentum with a rapid 27 off 15 deliveries.
Earlier, West Indies posted a competitive 195/4 after being asked to bat by India skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
The Caribbean side made a strong start through captain Shai Hope and makeshift opener Roston Chase, who stitched together a 68-run opening stand — the highest opening partnership against India in the tournament.
West Indies’ innings gained late momentum through an unbroken 76-run partnership between Rovman Powell (34* off 19) and Jason Holder (37* off 22), who smashed 70 runs in the final five overs to push the total to a challenging finish.
India’s bowling effort was anchored by Jasprit Bumrah, who struck twice in one over to remove Shimron Hetmyer and Chase after Hetmyer’s quick 27 off 12 balls had pushed West Indies past the 100-run mark.
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However, lapses in the field, including two dropped catches by Abhishek Sharma, proved costly.
West Indies had surprised with their team combination, promoting Chase to open alongside Hope and including extra spinner Akeal Hosein, leaving out Brandon King — a move that initially paid dividends.
The match carried knockout stakes, with the winner set to qualify for the semi-finals and the loser facing elimination from the tournament.
With India now effectively home, the hosts are set to book a semifinal clash against England in Mumbai on Thursday.
In other tournament developments, South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets and will face New Zealand in the first semifinal in Kolkata.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad next Sunday.
