March 1st, 2026, Kolkata: Sanju Samson made history as the highest-scoring participant in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights clash between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens when he scored an unbeaten knock of 97 runs (off 50 balls) which broke Virat Kohli’s previous record of the highest score by an Indian player in a T20 World Cup while chasing down an opponent’s target.
With India and the West Indies entering the match on equal terms in terms of points, this was all about winning this Super Eights match, as both teams were essentially playing for their spot in the quarter-finals. Despite facing early pressure on the batting order due to losing 3 early wickets and needing to chase down 196, Samson played a controlled-inburn inning and was very effective working with Suryakumar Yadav as they rotated the strike to build up the run total through to the closing portion of the game, at which point, he unleashed a string of exciting boundaries across the final overs of the match. He finished the match with 12 fours and 4 sixes, providing the much-needed total required for India to defeat the West Indies by 5 wickets and secured their place in the semifinals with 4 balls remaining in the game.
Breaking Kohli’s Benchmark
Kohli previously held the record with two unbeaten 82-run knocks in chases — against Australia in Mohali (2016) and Pakistan in Melbourne (2022). Samson’s 97* now stands as the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup run chase.
| Batter | Score | Balls | Opponent | Venue/Year |
| Sanju Samson | 97* | 50 | West Indies | Eden Gardens, 2026 news18 |
| Virat Kohli | 82* | – | Australia | Mohali, 2016 moneycontrol |
| Virat Kohli | 82* | – | Pakistan | Melbourne, 2022 moneycontrol |
A Statement Knock on the Big Stage
Samson’s innings not only broke a record but also reaffirmed his growing stature in high-pressure ICC tournaments. Cricket experts hailed the knock as one of India’s finest World Cup chases, given the match situation and the quality of the opposition attack.
With momentum firmly on their side, India now heads into the semifinals with renewed confidence.
Summary
Sanju Samson delivered a career-defining performance at Eden Gardens, scoring 97* off 50 balls to guide India to a five-wicket win over West Indies in a must-win Super Eights clash. His knock broke Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup run chase. The victory secured India’s place in the semifinals and highlighted Samson’s ability to perform under immense pressure on the global stage.
FAQs
1. What record did Sanju Samson break?
Sanju Samson broke Virat Kohli’s record for the highest individual score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup run chase. His unbeaten 97* surpassed Kohli’s previous best of 82*.
2. Against whom did Samson score 97?*
He scored 97* against the West Indies in a Super Eights match at Eden Gardens during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on March 1, 2026.
3. Why was this match important for India?
The match was a virtual quarter-final, with both teams tied on points. India needed the win to qualify for the semifinals, making Samson’s innings crucial under pressure.
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