History was rewritten at Eden Gardens! Sanju Samson's breathtaking 97* (50) didn't just sink the West Indies; it shattered Virat Kohli's legendary record for the highest individual score in a successful Indian T20 World Cup chase. Powering India to a historic 196-run target, Samson has officially punched India's ticket to a high-stakes semifinal against England. The "Chase Master" crown has a new, fearless owner.
The Eden Gardens has witnessed many miracles, but what happened on March 1, 2026, will be etched in cricketing folklore forever. In a high-octane ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash that felt more like a final, Sanju Samson didn't just play an innings; he authored a legacy.
With a breathtaking 97* off just 50 balls, Samson guided India to its highest-ever successful run chase in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history by India, hunting down a mammoth target of 196 against the West Indies.
For years, Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82s—the tactical masterpiece against Australia in 2016 and the "miracle at the MCG" against Pakistan in 2022—were considered the gold standard of Indian chases.
Last night, Sanju Samson officially took the torch. By finishing on 97*, he now holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in a successful ICC men's T20 World Cup chase. While Kohli's knocks were built on calculated running and late surges, Samson's 97 was a display of pure, unadulterated timing and 360-degree shot-making that left the Caribbean bowlers shell-shocked.
The West Indies, powered by Roston Chase 40(25), Shimron Hetmyer 27(12), Jason Holder 37* (22) and Skipper Rovman Powell 's explosive 34* (19), set a daunting 196-run target. On a spinning Eden track, most experts thought the total was 20 runs too many.
However, Sanju Samson entered the fray with a different plan. He dismantled the pace of Romario Shepherd early on and treated the spinners with disdain. His partnership with Skipper SuryaKumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Verma provided the platform, but it was Samson's flurry of sixes and four in the death overs that turned a tense chase into a celebratory stroll. India reached the target with three balls to spare, sending the Kolkata crowd into a frenzy.
This win isn't just about the record books; it's about the trophy. With this victory, India has officially topped their Super 8 group.
The Stage is Set: India will now face England in the first Semifinal on March 5, 2026 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. After the 8-wicket heartbreak in 2016 against West Indies, this "New India" under Samson's fearless batting looks ready to settle the any score.
| Rank | Player | Score | Balls | SR | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| 1 | Sanju Samson | 97* | 50 | 194.0 | West Indies | Eden Gardens | 2026 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | 82* | 53 | 154.7 | Pakistan | Melbourne | 2022 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | 82* | 51 | 160.7 | Australia | Mohali | 2016 |
Sanju Samson has often been the "prodigal son" of Indian cricket, but at Eden Gardens, he became the King. This innings proves that India's top order is no longer just about survival—it's about dominance.
Also Read: Highest Team Totals in T20 World Cup History: Records Broken in 2026
Share this post
Keshav Maharaj leads the charge! South Africa has unveiled a bold 15-man T20I squad for their March tour of New Zealand. With IPL stars absent, five uncapped gems—including teenage pace sensation Nqobani Mokoena—get their big break. Bolstered by the return of Gerald Coetzee and Tony de Zorzi, this new-look Proteas side under Maharaj’s veteran leadership is ready to prove the incredible depth of South African cricket.
Rashid Khan has rewritten T20 cricket history by becoming the first player ever to claim 700 wickets in the format. The Afghan superstar continues to dominate leagues worldwide with his deadly spin and unmatched consistency. Surpassing legends like Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine, Rashid’s milestone cements his legacy as the greatest T20 bowler of all time.
History in Mumbai! Italy secured their first-ever T20 World Cup victory with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing of Nepal. After spinners Crishan Kalugamage (3/18) and Ben Manenti (2/9) restricted Nepal to 123, brothers Anthony (62*) and Justin Mosca (60*) chased the target in record time. This historic result cements Italy’s status as the tournament’s "giant-killers" and keeps their dream of a semi-final berth alive.
India’s T20 World Cup plans are in flux. While Jasprit Bumrah has returned to full bowling intensity, star opener Abhishek Sharma remains hospitalised with "tummy issues." Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remains hopeful for his return, but "Plan B" is already in motion. Rumours suggest Sanju Samson is being prepped to take over the opening slot for the February 15 clash against Pakistan.
Records are tumbling as India's "Fearless Era" takes flight! While Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball masterpiece still leads, Abhishek Sharma's 14-ball blitz and Shivam Dube's 15-ball explosion in 2026 have redefined power-hitting. Rounded out by Hardik Pandya's 16-ball strike and Suryakumar Yadav's 17-ball clinic, this elite list proves one thing: the Indian top order is now officially unstoppable. Is the legendary 12-ball record finally under threat?
ScoreWaves © 2025 Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Views:
Download Our App
IOS
Google Play Store