
New Delhi, March 2: Team India secured a spot in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating the West Indies by five wickets on Sunday. Chasing a target of 196 runs set by the Caribbean team, India successfully reached the score in just 19.2 overs, losing five wickets in the process. The nation erupted in celebration as fans expressed their joy over the team’s performance. Former president of the Bengal Cricket Association, Snehasish Ganguly, praised Sanju Samson’s outstanding innings.
Ganguly remarked that it was an exhilarating match and commended the Indian team’s remarkable performance. He noted that chasing 196 runs is no easy feat, but Sanju Samson played a pivotal role in the victory with his explosive batting.
Fans in Maharashtra were visibly thrilled with India’s advancement to the semifinals. They lauded Sanju Samson’s unbeaten score of 97 runs. One fan confidently predicted that India would reach the finals, where they would face South Africa. Another suggested that the team should improve its bowling attack.
In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, locals celebrated the victory by playing music and dancing. Fans were seen applying gulal to each other, continuing the Holi festivities from two days prior.
After India’s win over the West Indies, TMC MLA Babul Supriyo commented, “I believe this was the match we all anticipated and enjoyed watching. Everything ended well. The West Indies set a challenging total, and there were some tense moments. India was a bit lucky with a few dropped catches, but in the end, it was a one-man show. Sanju Samson’s performance was absolutely fantastic.”
Fans at Eden Gardens, who came to watch the match, expressed their excitement, stating, “India played exceptionally well today. This match felt like a semifinal. We will win the final too.”
In Patna, celebrations erupted on the streets with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “India-India.” Fans expressed hope that India would once again claim the World Cup title. Naushad Alam stated, “Players should learn from Samson. India will definitely win this World Cup. We expect another stellar performance from him in the semifinals.”
In this crucial match against the West Indies, Sanju Samson showcased his batting prowess, scoring an unbeaten 97 runs off 50 balls. With this performance, Team India successfully chased down the target of 196 runs in 19.2 overs. The semifinals will see Team India face England on March 5.
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