Darling from Kerala! Sanju stars as India storm into semi-finals

KOLKATA: The moment fans had been waiting for finally arrived at Eden Gardens, as India defeated the West Indies cricket team by five wickets to enter the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

Chasing a target of 196, India rode on a brilliant innings from Sanju Samson, who smashed his first-ever T20 World Cup half-century. He reached the milestone in just 26 balls and powered India to victory with a stunning knock that included four sixes and 12 fours in 50 deliveries. With this win, India qualified for the semifinals as the second-placed team in Group 1 of the Super Eight stage. India will face England in the second semifinal to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bowl first. West Indies posted a competitive 195/4 in 20 overs. Captain Shai Hope (32) and Roston Chase (40) gave a solid start. Later, Rovman Powell (34*) and Jason Holder (37) added crucial runs at the end. For India, Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets, while Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy took one each.

Chasing the target, India did not have a great start. Abhishek Sharma, who faced 11 balls and hit two boundaries, was dismissed in the third over. He was caught by Hetmyer off Akeal Hosein’s bowling. Sanju showed good form by hitting two consecutive sixes, but Ishan, who came in place of Abhishek, scored just 10 runs off six balls, including two boundaries, before getting out. India were 45 for 2 at the end of five overs.

Sanju and Suryakumar Yadav (18) then steadied the innings. Although Suryakumar (18), Tilak Varma (27), and Hardik Pandya (17) were dismissed, Sanju continued to fight alone. With support from Shivam Dube (8*), he sealed the victory in the final over by hitting a six and a four.