India vs West Indies: Thriller in Kolkata

Match: 52nd Match | Date: March 1, 2026 | Venue: Kolkata

India chased 196 and beat the West Indies by five wickets in a Super Eights thriller at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. Sanju Samson remained unbeaten on 97 to lead his side to victory with four overs to spare, amidst the roaring crowd of 50,597.

West Indies Pose a Challenging 195/4

West Indies started aggressively, reaching 45/0 in the powerplay. Shai Hope and Roston Chase started the innings well with a 50-run opening stand in 41 balls.

West Indies reached 100+ in 11.1 overs, putting India on the back foot.

Some crucial moments during the middle overs:

- The umpire’s decision was overturned on Shimron Hetmyer’s review on the 11th over.
- India reviewed Rovman Powell’s dismissal on the 13th over, which was upheld on the umpire’s call.

West Indies were on 119/3 in 14 overs, but they ended the innings strongly. They reached 150+ in 16.1 overs, and the 50-run fifth-wicket partnership between Powell and Jason Holder took only 20 balls.

Holder scored 37 runs, and Powell scored 34 runs to take the West Indies to 195/4 in 20 overs, which was a challenging score under the lights.

India's Powerplay Push
India started well in their reply even after losing two early wickets. They reached 53/2 in the powerplay.

Samson and Suryakumar Yadav added 50 runs for the third wicket in 27 balls. They took the game back with this partnership.

Samson scored 50 in just 26 balls with six fours and three sixes.

India went past the 100-run mark in 10.3 overs and reached 136/3 in the 14th over.

Samson Comes Up Big
With Tilak Varma's crucial assistance, India reached 150 in 15.1 overs.

Even though India lost wickets at regular intervals, Samson was calm and composed throughout the game.

A late over-rate penalty was given to the West Indies in the final over. As a result, an extra fielder was placed within the circle.

India reached 199/5 in 19.2 overs and won the game by five wickets.

Player of the Match
Sanju Samson was awarded the Player of the Match award for his spell:

- 97* off 50
- 2 catches