Samson's 97* fires India to T20 World Cup semi-final vs England

Samson's scintillating unbeaten 97 off 50 balls anchored India's chase as they knocked off 196 with four balls to spare to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals against England. The win over West Indies came at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, sealing India as runners-up in Group 1 behind South Africa. Tilak Varma chipped in 27 off 15, underscoring the composed approach that defined India's reply.

India began the response shakily, dropping three catches and showing moments of sloppiness in the field, including a costly fumble by Abhishek Sharma. Yet Samson remained unfazed, showcasing a chanceless innings that put India in control from the moment the chase began. West Indies had posted 195-4 after Rovman Powell (34) and Jason Holder (37) provided late acceleration, with Roston Chase top-scoring with 40 off 25 as he anchored the innings after an opening stand of 102-1.

Bumrah's early break in the middle overs, including a smart slower ball that dismissed Shimron Hetmyer for 27, helped tilt the balance in India's favor. When Samson struck the winning six and final four off Romario Shepherd, India had four balls remaining and a place in the semis secured to meet Group 2 winners England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (13:30 GMT). The result capped a tense Super 8 phase, with India finally stamping their claim to a coveted knockout berth.

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