New Delhi: Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bangladesh (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly described Sanju Samson’s match-winning 97* as “outstanding” and called him a “very good player”. The wicketkeeper-batsman helped India beat West Indies in a must-win Super 8 match to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls saw India chase down a tough target of 196 to secure a five-wicket win in the do-or-die match to lead Suryakumar Yadav’s side into the last four.
Talking to reporters after the match, Ganguly heaped praises on Samson and stressed that the Kerala batsman should get consistent opportunities in India’s white-ball format.
“Excellent. He is a very good player. He should continue to play in the white-ball for India,” Ganguly said.
With India and West Indies tied on points in the Super 8 standings, the match in Kolkata effectively becomes a knockout tournament, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals along with South Africa, New Zealand and England.
India’s victory sets the stage for the semi-finals against England on March 5.
Ganguly termed the India-West Indies encounter a virtual quarter-final and praised Samson’s composure, highlighting how dangerous he can become once he settles.
“You know when he comes on, he’s going to hurt the opposition. He adapts to the big situation,” Ganguly added.
Looking ahead to the semi-final against England, the former India skipper noted that the Three Lions will pose a tougher challenge than West Indies.
In the match itself, India won the toss and chose to field. West Indies opener Roston Chase (40 off 25 balls with five fours and a six) and captain Shai Hope (32 off 33 balls with three fours and a six) added 68 runs for the first wicket. However, despite a quick cameo from Shimron Hetmyer (27 off 12 balls, one four and two sixes), the home team slipped to 119/4 in 14.1 overs.
Jason Holder (22 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes, 37 runs) and Rovman Powell (19 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes, 34 runs) launched a late onslaught and the duo completed a 76-run stand in just 35 balls, taking West Indies to 195/4 in 20 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah (2/36 in four overs) was India’s standout bowler, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya took one wicket each and conceded 40 runs each in four overs.
In response, India received an early shock and were reduced to 41/2 in the powerplay. Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (18) combined for 58 to stabilize the innings and restart the chase. Samson then combined effectively with Tilak Varma (27 off 15 balls, 4 boundaries and 6 balls), Hardik Pandya (17) and Shivam Dube (8*) to lead India home with five wickets, sealing a memorable win and a spot in the semi-finals.
