Strongman Samson takes India past West Indies to set up England semi-final

"Sanju Samson, who lost his place in the side on the eve of the tournament before being recalled after India's humbling Super 8s defeat by South Africa, dramatically rediscovered his touch, batting through the innings to finish unbeaten on 97. Chasing 196, the co-hosts looked in control with the 31-year-old at the crease and fittingly it was Samson who struck the winning runs, lifting his 50th delivery over mid-on to seal victory by five wickets, with four balls remaining."

"After West Indies were put in to bat, Roston Chase, opening for the first time in T20 internationals, powered the start of their innings in partnerships of 68 off 53 with Shai Hope, and 34 off 16 with Shimron Hetmyer the latter pairing ended when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed both in a single over while Jason Holder and Rovman Powell added 76 off the last 35 balls."

"India and England will meet in Mumbai on Thursday in the knowledge that in both of the last two tournaments the team that came out on top in their encounters have gone on to win the title, with the English prevailing in Adelaide in 2022 and losing in Guyana two years ago."

India secured their place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals by defeating West Indies in a quarter-final match. Sanju Samson, recalled after India's Super 8s loss to South Africa, played a crucial innings of 97 not out while chasing 196. West Indies posted 196 runs despite strong individual performances from Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powell, but were hampered by Shai Hope's slow 32-run innings and three dropped catches. India will face England in Mumbai on Thursday, marking their third semi-final meeting in three consecutive T20 World Cups. The other semi-final features New Zealand against South Africa, who maintained their perfect record against the Black Caps.

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