In the last Super 8 game against the West Indies, India were in a must-win situation to make it to the semi-final. Sanju Samson came to the rescue with an unbeaten 97 masterclass innings.
India invited West Indies to bat after winning the toss. However, they could not break the West Indian opening partnership early enough to make a dent in their innings. Shai Hope and Roston Chase did well to survive the initial attack from Indian bowlers.
Shimron Hetmyer came to bat at number three after the wicket of Shai Hope in the 9th over. He came to the crease with intent and hit Indian bowlers all around the ground before departing for 27 off just 12 balls. After that, Rovman Powell (34 off 19) and Jason Holder (37 off 22) took West Indies to a very good total of 195 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
Sanju and Abhishek came to bat for India, and the latter departed early in the 3rd over and made 10 off 11 runs. Even Ishan Kishan got out early, and that put India under pressure. However, Sanju didn’t let these wickets affect his focus and played his natural game with Suryakumar Yadav.
Before this game, Sanju’s performance in the World Cup came under scrutiny after a recent lack of form. However, he rose to the occasion when it mattered the most. Cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar praised his composure. “Sanju Samson’s calm presence at the crease was wonderful to watch.”
Sanju stayed not out and finished the game for India along with small partnerships with Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube. It was a complete performance from Samson.
After the virtual quarter-final win against the West Indies, Samson stated that his fours and sixes anchored the game. “It means the whole world to me.”
“Right from the day I started playing, started dreaming of playing for the country, this is the knock I was waiting for. I had a very special journey, a lot of ups and downs, kept doubting myself, thinking will I make it? But I am thankful to the Almighty for blessing me today.”
Even the Indian captain praised Samson’s innings. “I always say good things happen to good people who wait, who have a lot of patience.”
“All his hard work, what he has been doing behind the doors when he hasn’t been playing, he has got the fruits for it at the perfect stage.”
With this win, India has now reached the semi-final stage and will battle out with England for a spot in the T20 World Cup finals.
