Sanju Samson etched his name in T20 World Cup history on Sunday night with his stunning unbeaten 97, now the highest score by an Indian in a run-chase in the tournament. In the process, he surpassed Virat Kohli’s unbeaten record of 82 against Australia in Mohali in 2016 and against Pakistan in Melbourne in 2022.
On a raucous night at the Eden Gardens, with 67,000 fans hoping to get India going, Samson finished the game when it mattered most. His 50-ball knock, which included 12 fours and four sixes, helped India achieve their most successful chase in the history of the T20 World Cup, as they eliminated West Indies for 196 and set up a semi-final against England.
This was an innings built on calmness and courage. India were 41-2 when Samson came on board, first putting together a 58-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav and then maintaining the momentum of the chase even as wickets fell around him. With 55 still needed after Tilak Varma’s departure, Samson refused to panic. He stayed on until the very end and ensured that India crossed the finish line with four balls remaining.
Now, this knock was one of India’s finest performances in the T20 World Cup. Only Suresh Raina’s 101 not out against South Africa in 2010 is higher overall, with Rohit Sharma’s 92 not out against Australia in 2024 and Virat Kohli’s 89 not out against West Indies in 2016 not far behind.
But this time it’s different. This is a chase. This is pressure. This was Samson at his best, setting up India’s title defense with an innings that will be remembered for years to come.
