Sipu Jha
Sanju Samson etched his name into T20 World Cup history on Sunday night, producing a breathtaking unbeaten 97 that now stands as the highest score by an Indian in a run chase at the tournament. In doing so, he surpassed Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 against Australia in Mohali in 2016 and Pakistan in Melbourne in 2022. On a roaring evening at Eden Gardens, with 67,000 fans willing India forward, Samson delivered when it mattered most. His 50-ball knock, studded with 12 fours and four sixes, powered India to their highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history as they hunted down 196 to eliminate the West Indies and book a semi-final against England. It was an innings built on poise and courage. India were 41 for 2 when Samson took charge, first stitching together a 58-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav and then keeping the chase on track even as wickets fell around him. With 55 still required after Tilak Varma’s departure, Samson refused to panic. He stood firm until the end, ensuring India crossed the line with four balls to spare. The knock now sits among India’s finest T20 World Cup efforts. Only Suresh Raina’s 101 against South Africa in 2010 is higher overall, while Rohit Sharma’s 92 against Australia in 2024 and Virat Kohli’s 89 not out against West Indies in 2016 follow closely behind. But this one was different. This was a chase. This was pressure. And this was Samson at his very best, keeping India’s title defence alive with an innings that will be remembered for years.
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