Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been heavily criticized after India reached the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup. India beat West Indies by 5 wickets in the Super 8 match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday, March 1, chasing down 196 runs with just 4 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, Amir had said that Pakistan may qualify or they may qualify, but India will definitely not make the top four. “Pakistan will qualify. Dekho, Pakistan kare na kare, India naaaa (It doesn’t matter if Pakistan advances, India won’t),” he said on Haarna Mana Hai, surprising even the show’s anchor.
However, India responded to Amir on the field. After a humiliating 76-run loss to South Africa at the start of the Super Eights, they bounced back to beat Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium and then beat West Indies to secure a place in the semi-finals. Fans were quick to praise Aamir’s early prediction on social media.
Chasing 196 for a draw, India suffered an early setback but Sanju Samson’s clinical innings put them on the right track. No. 5 Tilak Varma scored a quick 27 off 15 balls to help India register a thrilling win.
India pulled off its most successful run chase in the history of the T20 World Cup at the Eden Gardens and pulled off its biggest ever T20I run chase. The win highlighted their strong batting line-up and composure under pressure.
The win also held additional significance as it avenged India’s semi-final loss to West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium. This time, India turned the tables, setting a new record at the iconic Kolkata stadium and resolving old issues in style.
