{"id":"f-80ae245e0c-e7e6605a-eb9f-58cd-8c8e-301de2fd87d3","title":"Suryakumar Yadav Doffs Cap To Sanju Samson After Opener's 97* Lights Up Eden Gardens | Watch","description":"Sanju Samson was the center of attraction after his brilliant 97* sealed India's thrilling win over West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday night.","timestamp":1772428200,"category":"sports","headline":"Suryakumar Yadav Doffs Cap To Sanju Samson After Opener's 97* Lights Up Eden Gardens | Watch","modifiedHeadline":"Surya tips his cap to Samson's Kolkata masterclass","subCategories":["scid_185ed133"],"subcategoriesName":["Cricket"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"6ff0e53c-03a9-4fac-a199-00040694f01a","bundleTitle":"Indian Cricket","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"491","iabCategoryName":"Cricket","fcSummary":"sanju samson delivered a career-defining unbeaten 97, securing india's thrilling five-wicket victory over west indies and a spot in the 2026 t20 world cup semifinals. his remarkable innings, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, helped india chase a target of 196. samson's return as an opener addressed a strategic need, and his performance fueled india's title defense hopes.","summary":"Samson's unbeaten 97* seals India's thrilling win & semis spot! Yadav doffs cap in appreciation. A memorable chase at Eden Gardens.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/news/IN/en/news18/f-80ae245e0c-e7e6605a-eb9f-58cd-8c8e-301de2fd87d3","sourceUrl":"https://www.news18.com/cricket/suryakumar-yadav-doffs-cap-to-sanju-samson-after-openers-97-lights-up-eden-gardens-watch-ws-kln-9937291.html","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/RG-IWRUiw-j0.webp","content":"

Sanju Samson played the innings of his life on Sunday night as he guided India into the semifinals of the 2026 T20 World Cup, taking his team a step closer to defending their crown. Samson’s brilliant

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unbeaten 97 – the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup chase -helped seal a five-wicket win over West Indies in a high-scoring encounter at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The wicketkeeper-batter struck 12 fours and four sixes as India overhauled the target of 196 in the final over, with four deliveries to spare. For his effort, he was awarded the Player of the Match.

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Needing seven off six balls in the last over, Samson wasted no time. He smashed the first delivery, bowled by Romario Shepherd, for a six to draw level with West Indies, before sealing the win with a four off the very next ball. He then sank to his knees, crossed his heart, and thanked the heavens.

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As he made his way back to the dressing room, he was embraced in tight hugs by his India teammates. His captain, Suryakumar Yadav, went a step further and doffed his cap in appreciation of the memorable innings that helped India win what was effectively a virtual quarterfinal.

Watch Suryakumar’s gesture for Samson below:

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The same mouths that laughed will bow one day. pic.twitter.com/W7u3dAWHqQ
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— Beast (@Beast__07_) March 1, 2026
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After suffering a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their first Super 8 match, India found themselves in a must-win situation against Zimbabwe. To address teams targeting their top three left-handed batters with offspin, India brought Samson – a right-hander – back into the playing XI as an opener. He responded with a breezy knock, though he failed to convert it into a substantial score, as India posted a mammoth 250-plus total before securing a comfortable win.

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Samson saved his best for the do-or-die clash against West Indies, proving once again why he continues to be rated so highly by the Indian team management. India will hope he carries that form into the business end of the tournament as they aim to become the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title.

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Suryakumar Yadav Doffs Cap To Sanju Samson After Opener's 97* Lights Up Eden Gardens | Watch

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