Ganguly Hails Samson’s ‘Outstanding’ 97* as India Seals T20 World Cup Semifinal Berth
NEW DELHI – Former India captain Sourav Ganguly issued a ringing endorsement of Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter delivered a career-defining performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Samson’s unbeaten 97 powered India to a high-stakes victory over the West Indies, securing a spot in the semifinals and eliminating the hosts from the Super 8 stage.
Ganguly, currently the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), highlighted Samson’s ability to dismantle bowling attacks once set. The victory in Kolkata sets up a semifinal showdown against England on March 5.
Ganguly: ‘He Should Consistently Play for India’
Speaking to the press following the virtual quarterfinal, Ganguly emphasized that Samson’s temperament in a do-or-die situation validates his place in the national white-ball setup. Samson faced 50 deliveries to score 97 not out, anchoring a chase of 196 under significant pressure.
“Outstanding. He’s a very good player. He should consistently play for India in the white-ball [formats],” Ganguly stated. “You know, when he gets in, he’ll hurt the opposition. He played to the situation which is important.”
The former skipper noted that while the West Indies posed a significant threat, the upcoming semifinal against England would test India’s consistency further.
Match Report: India Chases 196 to Eliminate Hosts
In a match where the loser faced elimination, India successfully chased down a target of 196 with five wickets remaining. The victory moved India into the final four alongside South Africa, New Zealand, and England.
Key Match Statistics
| Role | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Player of the Match | Sanju Samson (IND) | 97* (50 balls) |
| Top Scorer (WI) | Roston Chase | 40 (25 balls) |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Jasprit Bumrah | 2/36 (4 overs) |
| Partnership (WI) | Holder & Powell | 76 runs (35 balls) |
West Indies Innings: Late Flourish Lifts Total
After India elected to field, the West Indies openers provided a solid platform. Roston Chase (40 off 25) and captain Shai Hope (32 off 33) constructed a 68-run opening stand. Despite the strong start, the innings lost momentum in the middle overs. Shimron Hetmyer contributed a brief 27 off 12 balls, but the hosts found themselves at 119/4 after 14.1 overs.
A late offensive surge from Jason Holder and Rovman Powell salvaged the innings. The pair added an unbroken 76 runs in just 5.5 overs to push the total to 195/4.
- Jason Holder: 37* (22 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes)
- Rovman Powell: 34* (19 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes)
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowling attack with figures of 2/36. Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed one wicket each, though both proved expensive, conceding 40 runs in their respective quotas.
The Chase: Samson Anchors Recovery
India’s response began poorly, with the top order collapsing to 41/2 inside the powerplay. Sanju Samson stabilized the innings alongside Suryakumar Yadav (18), stitching together a 58-run partnership that neutralized the West Indies’ early advantage.
Following Yadav’s dismissal, Samson accelerated, finding support from the middle order. He combined with Tilak Varma (27 off 15) and Hardik Pandya (17) before finishing the game alongside Shivam Dube (8*). Samson’s innings included a blend of power hitting and strike rotation, ensuring India crossed the finish line with deliveries to spare.
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