India vs West Indies Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson's heroics lead India to semi-finals

Moments after hitting the winning boundary, Sanju Samson took off his helmet and dropped to his knees to thank the almighty. Relief washed over the face of the right-hander who fired India into the T20 World Cup semi-final with a breathtaking knock. Even before the crowd could capture the winning moments, "Vande Mataram" played at full volume as the Indian dugout rushed out to celebrate what was a top run-chase under pressure."Lehra Do" was up next and the laser lights joined the act as the announcer egged the crowd on. The party was only getting started in Kolkata after India (199/5) beat West Indies (195/4) with four deliveries to spare.

Until a week ago in Ahmedabad, Sanju Samson was nowhere close to the Playing XI scene as India were happy with the two left-handers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma as their two openers. However, the consistent off-spin threat, which led to an early wicket forced the think-tank to rework its strategy and bring Samson, a right-hander, back to the top of the order. He had lost his spot to an in-form Kishan but the tactical call forced the left-hander down to No.3 and left-right was restored.

The move worked in the must-win game against Zimbabwe in Chennai earlier this week as it not only gave India a brisk start but also kept spin away. Although spin was introduced early in Kolkata and India lost two early wickets, Samson unlocked his maximum potential when the team had its back to the wall. Chasing a stiff target, the right-hander played an unforgettable knock to help India advance to the semi-final of the multi-nation tournament. He drove well, cut fiercely and exhibited big-match temperament in front of a capacity crowd at the Eden Gardens.

IND vs WI Live Score: Sanju Samson has been named the Man of the Match for his exceptional knock of 97 off 50

"It means the whole world actually to me. I think right from the day I started playing, started dreaming to play for the country, I think this is the day I was waiting for. And I’m very grateful, very thankful. And I’ve always had a very special journey with lots of ups and downs, but I’ve kept on doubting myself, kept on thinking, what if, what if, can I make it, can I make it?

"But I kept on believing and thanks to the Lord Almighty for actually blessing me today. So I’m very happy. Yeah, I think that’s why I have been playing this format for a very long time. I think playing IPL around 10 to 12 years and playing for the country from last 10 years, I have not been playing, but looking from the dugout, learning from the greats like Virat Kohli, from Rohit Sharma, like all the greats. I think it’s very important to observe and learn and see what they were doing.

"I think that really helped me to, I think with my experience, I have only played maybe 50, 60 games, but I’ve seen around 100 games and I’ve seen how the greatest people have finished the games and how do they change their game according to the game.

"So I think the last game we were batting first, so it was all about setting a very high score. So that’s how I wanted to go big right from ball one. But this game was completely different. I think as soon as I wanted to go a bit higher, we were losing wickets. So I think I wanted to build a partnership, wanted to keep focusing on my process. And I never felt that I will do something special like this, but I was just focusing on my role and just keeping one ball at a time and very grateful. I think this is one of the greatest days of my life. Yeah, definitely they do bring a lot of energy and they do bring a lot of support.

"But I think on the other end, there is always a question, what if not? So definitely that keeps on playing in your mind. But when that thought kept on coming, I just brought myself into the present moment and just looked at the ball and trusted myself to react according to the ball in merit. So I think that worked out pretty well today."

IND vs WI Live Score: India beat West Indies by five wickets to qualify for the semi-finals

Romario Shepherd bowls a full delivery outside leg-stump, and Sanju Samson stays deep in his crease.

He flicks it with perfect timing and elevation over deep mid-wicket for six, bringing India level. Tilak Varma pumps his fist in the dugout, and Hardik Pandya celebrates with a double fist-pump. Samson maintains his calm routine, tapping near his chest, waiting for the next ball. Shepherd runs in again, aiming for the final over, and the field adjusts with an extra man inside the ring for the over-rate penalty, signaled by umpire Chris Gaffaney.

On the next delivery, Samson connects beautifully on the leg-stump full toss. The ball races past mid-on and reaches the boundary for four. Samson sinks to his knees, looks heavenwards, crosses himself, and folds his hands in thanks.

His helmet flies to the left, and the celebrations erupt.

The fielders are all in, but India have sealed the victory. Samson’s composure and brilliance throughout the chase take India home, finishing the game in style.

The crowd roars, his teammates rush in to congratulate him, and the stage lights capture a moment of pure triumph, with Samson as the unquestioned hero of the match.

IND vs WI Live Score: India need 7 runs off 6 balls

Shamar Joseph continues his over with intent. He bowls a beautiful inswinging yorker to Hardik Pandya, who misjudges it and edges it slightly, but it goes safely past the fielders for a dot.

On the next ball, a low full-toss lands on middle stump, and Hardik Pandya attempts a leg-side heave.

The bat meets the ball at an angle, sending it straight to Jason Holder at extra-cover, who takes a clean catch. Hardik departs for 17 off 14 balls, having hit two boundaries.

Shivam Dube comes to the crease, and India now stands at 189-5, with West Indies clawing back control.

IND vs WI Live Score: OUT! Hardik Pandya gone

In a tense encounter, Shamar Joseph bowls a low full-toss to Hardik Pandya, who misreads it and attempts a leg-side heave. The bat meets the ball at an angle, sending it straight to Jason Holder at extra-cover, who takes a simple catch and roars in celebration.

Shamar Joseph joins in the celebration, keeping West Indies alive in the contest. Hardik Pandya departs for 17 off 14 balls, having hit two boundaries. This wicket halts India’s momentum, as West Indies claw back control in the chase, with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding putting pressure on the batting side.

IND vs WI Live Score: India close to glory, still need 17 off 12

In a high-paced chase, Sanju Samson anchors India’s innings with a brilliant 87 not out off 48 balls, smashing crucial boundaries and showcasing remarkable composure.

Hardik Pandya supports with timely singles and aggression, keeping the momentum.

Jason Holder tries to curb the scoring with disciplined yorkers and slower balls, claiming two early wickets, but Samson’s precise placement and controlled aggression, including a boundary over deep point, kept India ahead.

Despite tight overs, India maintain control, with singles, powerful cuts, and well-timed shots dominating the final stages, edging closer to victory.

IND vs WI Live Score: India need 25 off 18

A chaotic 17th over — 11 runs, three wides, and a crucial dropped catch. India move to 171 for 4 and are now firmly in control.

Romario Shepherd returns under pressure, and it starts messily with a wide well outside off.

Then comes the moment West Indies will regret. A slower off-cutter outside off, Hardik Pandya slices the cut straight to extra cover — a simple chance by T20 standards. Jason Holder moves to his left, gets both hands to it at chest height… and spills it. It hits the wrist, then chest, and drops. A massive let-off. Shepherd barely reacts, but Holder is visibly frustrated. That could be match-defining.

Hardik and Samson make them pay by rotating strike smartly. Shepherd struggles with his radar — another wide outside off, then yet another just beyond the tramline.

Samson keeps calm, carving a yorker to deep backward point for one. Hardik flicks a yorker off a thick leading edge for a single. The pressure is entirely on the fielding side now.

And Hardik finishes the over with authority. A full ball and he drives firmly through deep extra cover for four.

Shepherd’s over: 11 runs (including 3 wides). Figures now 2-0-24-0.

After 17 overs, India are 171/4 chasing 196. They need just 25 off 18 balls — under 8.5 per over. Samson is superb on 81 off 45, and Hardik is building nicely at 15 off 9. With dropped chances and extras mounting, West Indies are letting this slip.

IND vs WI Live Score: OUT! Tilak Varma falls

A dramatic 15th over — 10 runs and a big wicket. India move to 146 for 4, and the chase tightens again.

Jason Holder returns and starts with a low full toss outside off. Samson drives it calmly to long-off for one.

Tilak Varma then gets a gift — full and wide in the slot. He bends his back knee and absolutely smashes it over extra cover for four. That’s power and placement.

Holder tightens up next ball, a full delivery outside off that Tilak drills straight to point — dot ball pressure.

And then the breakthrough.

Tilak charges down, makes room outside leg stump, looking to loft over the infield. Holder follows him cleverly with a full delivery. Tilak gets elevation, and for a moment it looks like it might clear mid-off. But Shimron Hetmyer backtracks, times his leap perfectly, and plucks it with both hands at full stretch. A superb catch. Tilak departs for 27 off 15 — a vital cameo, but the partnership is broken at a crucial stage.

Hardik Pandya walks in and gets off strike with a short-of-length ball guided to backward point.

Samson, though, finishes the over emphatically. A length ball outside off — possibly off-pace — and he hangs back to belt a fierce cut wide of cover-point for four. Hardik taps him on the helmet in appreciation.

Holder’s figures now: 3-0-30-2.

After 15 overs, India are 146/4 chasing 196. They need 50 off 30 balls — 10 per over. Samson is anchoring superbly on 74 off 41, but with a new batter in Hardik at the crease, the next couple of overs will be decisive.

IND vs WI Live Score: India need 60 off 36 balls

Another big over — 15 runs off Roston Chase — and India surge to 136 for 3 after 14 overs. The chase is very much on.

Chase begins with a yorker outside off, but Sanju Samson is in sublime touch. He opens the face late and squeezes it through the vacant backward point region for four. That’s awareness and control under pressure.

Samson rotates strike with a punch to long-off, and Tilak Varma keeps the board ticking with a flick to deep mid-wicket. There’s a brief mix-up — Tilak charges back for a second while Samson is more relaxed — but it settles for one. A quick word exchanged mid-pitch.

Tilak then shows excellent intent. He leans back and punches one wide of deep backward point, sprinting hard to convert it into two. Shamar Joseph does well in the deep to keep it from becoming four.

And then the big finish.

Tilak backs away outside leg stump and swipes across a length ball on middle. It looks like a miscue at first — the bat turns in his hands — but it sails comfortably over long-on for an 83-metre six. Clean enough, powerful enough.

Chase’s figures: 2-0-18-0.

India now need 60 off 36 balls — exactly 10 per over. Samson is 69 off 39, batting with remarkable clarity and composure, while Tilak has raced to 23 off 12 and shifted the momentum decisively. With dew settling in and the set pair firing, West Indies are under serious pressure heading into the death overs.

IND 136-3 in 14 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Big over from India; Tilak Varma joins Sanju Samson in the party

Momentum swings dramatically back to India — 17 runs off the 13th over! They surge to 121 for 3 and the chase is alive again.

Shamar Joseph begins the over, and Samson wastes no time. A full ball in the slot outside off is absolutely hammered straight past the bowler. Long-off has no chance. That’s a statement boundary.

Samson then slashes a short, wide ball hard to sweeper cover for a single — struck with authority.

And then Tilak Varma takes over.

With mid-off inside the ring, Tilak checks a length delivery beautifully, high elbow, full face of the bat — one bounce and four. Pure timing.

Joseph loses his run-up again and delivers a poor slower off-cutter outside off. Tilak leans back and cuts fiercely behind point. Back-to-back fours.

Next ball: a low full toss on middle. Tilak flicks firmly toward deep mid-wicket. Sherfane Rutherford slips while moving across in the dew, and what should’ve been two runs trickles away for four. That’s three consecutive boundaries — momentum fully seized.

Joseph finally nails a yorker outside off to end the over, but the damage is done.

Joseph’s figures now: 2-0-20-1.

India are 121/3 after 13 overs, needing 75 off 42 balls — just under 10.75 per over. Samson is anchoring superbly at 63 off 36, while Tilak has exploded to 14 off 9. The dew, fielding lapses, and pressure are beginning to hurt West Indies at a crucial stage.

IND 121-3 in 13 overs in chase of 196

IND vs WI Live Score: India need 92 runs in 48 balls

Another tight over — just 3 runs from Roston Chase — and the pressure is beginning to build. India move to 104 for 3 after 12 overs.

Chase comes in with a clear plan: round the wicket, flat trajectory, stump-to-stump, no flight. He fires them in quickly and doesn’t allow the batters to free their arms.

Samson starts the over by tucking a flat delivery on middle and leg to deep mid-wicket for one. From there, it becomes a strangling spell.

Tilak Varma faces four balls in the over and manages just a single. Twice he punches from the back foot — once straight to extra cover, once back to Chase himself. The dots are stacking up. Samson tries to break the shackles with a flat pull to deep mid-wicket, but it lands safely for only one.

The highlight of the over is the final ball — Tilak pushes firmly and what looks like a certain single is denied by sharp infield work. A superb save prevents rotation.

Chase’s figures: 1-0-3-0.

Back-to-back overs of just 3 runs (Joseph and Chase) have slowed India significantly. After 12 overs, they are 104/3 chasing 196. They now need 92 off 48 balls — 11.5 per over. Samson is 58 off 34 and set, but Tilak is 2 off 5 and yet to find rhythm. The game has tilted slightly back toward West Indies.

IND vs WI Live Score: India lose captain Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma new batter in

A huge moment in the chase — only 3 runs and a wicket in the 11th over. India slip to 101 for 3.

Shamar Joseph makes an immediate impact.

The over begins quietly with Samson flicking a short-of-length ball to deep backward square leg for one. Then comes the breakthrough. Joseph pitches it full on off, and Suryakumar Yadav makes room looking to loft over the off-side. The bat face opens slightly at impact, the shot stays flat and starts dipping — and Sherfane Rutherford judges it brilliantly at sweeper cover. Diving forward, he cups it safely with both hands.

SKY departs for 18 off 16. The earlier dropped return catch doesn’t cost West Indies much after all.

Tilak Varma walks in and gets off strike with a neatly timed cover drive for a single, though it finds the sweeper. Joseph keeps it tight thereafter — a straight drive from Samson is denied runs by the bowler himself and even the non-striker’s stumps get in the way of what looked a certain boundary. Two well-executed dots follow.

Joseph’s first over: 1-0-3-1 — outstanding under pressure.

At 101/3 after 11 overs, India now need 95 off 54 balls. Samson remains key at 56 off 32, but with a new batter at the crease and momentum briefly halted, this phase could define the chase.

IND vs WI Live Score: Sanju Samson brings up his 50 with a boundary; IND 98-2 in 10 overs

India reach 98 for 2 at the halfway mark, taking 7 runs off Gudakesh Motie’s second over — and Sanju Samson brings up a composed, important half-century.

Motie starts well, keeping it flat and on a good length. Samson nudges one to sweeper cover for a single. Then comes a big moment — Suryakumar Yadav drives a full ball straight back, and Motie gets both hands to it but spills the return catch to his right. A sharp chance, and SKY survives. That could prove costly.

SKY collects a single next ball with a low full toss drifting into leg stump, driven to long-on.

Then the landmark moment.

Motie drops it short and outside off, and Samson rocks back to cut hard behind point for four. That brings up his fifty — 54 off 28 balls. No wild celebration: a glove punch with SKY, a quiet acknowledgment of the crowd, even a brief crossing gesture. Calm, controlled, focused. After patchy form and scrutiny, this is a statement innings.

Motie finishes the over tidily, conceding just singles and a dot to close.

After 10 overs, India are 98/2 chasing 196. They need 98 more off 60 balls — exactly 9.8 per over. Samson is anchoring superbly on 54 (28), while SKY is 18 (15) with a life in hand. The game is perfectly poised heading into the decisive middle overs.

IND vs WI Live Score: 13 runs off the over

Romario Shepherd’s first over goes for 13, and India surge to 91 for 2 after nine overs — with Sanju Samson now on the brink of a fifty.

Shepherd begins with an off-cutter outside off. Samson reads it early and drives down to long-off for a single. SKY then pushes a full ball on middle to long-on, rotating strike smoothly.

What follows is the defining moment of the over.

Shepherd serves up a floaty slower leg-cutter outside off, and Samson absolutely nails it — stepping forward and lofting cleanly over long-off for a superb six. That was pure timing, not brute force.

Next ball, he drives firmly again to long-on. It should have been just a single, but Gudakesh Motie misfields badly in the deep — the ball slipping through his hands and legs, possibly affected by dew — and it runs away for four. A costly error.

Shepherd nearly has revenge the following delivery. A sharp short-of-length ball holds its line outside off, Samson’s angled bat misses, and there’s a brief appeal for caught behind. UltraEdge shows a flat line — no contact.

Samson calmly closes the over with a straight drive that deflects off Shepherd’s boot into mid-wicket for a single.

At 91/2 after 9 overs chasing 196, India are well in the hunt. Samson is 48 off 24, striking beautifully, while Suryakumar Yadav is settling at 17 off 13. The required rate is high, but with these two set, the pressure is shifting back onto West Indies.

IND vs WI Live Score: IND 78-2 after 8 overs in chase of 196

India continue to build momentum, collecting 11 runs off Gudakesh Motie’s first over to reach 78 for 2 after eight overs.

Motie starts poorly, dragging one short and outside off. Sanju Samson rocks back and slices it hard and wide of long-off for four — a gift to begin the over. He follows that with a calm single to long-off, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Suryakumar Yadav then settles into his rhythm. A floated full ball on middle is whipped down to long-on for one. Motie briefly pauses to tie SKY’s shoelaces — a light moment in an otherwise high-pressure chase.

The left-arm spinner tightens his line with a flatter good-length ball on off, and SKY is forced into a defensive push as Roston Chase cuts it off at backward point.

But SKY finishes the over in signature fashion. Motie tosses one up full on middle and leg, and SKY gets low, inside the line, sweeping it fine past short fine leg. Risky, unconventional — but executed to perfection. Four more.

Motie’s first over: 1-0-11-0.

India are 78/2 chasing 196. Samson is flowing beautifully on 36 off 19, while SKY is finding timing and range at 16 off 12. The required rate is still steep, but India are matching it for now. The middle overs battle between Motie and the set batters could shape the chase.

IND vs WI Live Score: IND 67-2 in 7 overs in chase of 196

India respond strongly with 14 runs in the 7th over, moving to 67 for 2 and keeping the chase on track.

Jason Holder continues, but this time the batters find better rhythm.

The over begins with Suryakumar Yadav getting inside the line of a short-of-length ball and punching it for a single. Samson then takes advantage of width outside off — rocking back and flat-batting it wide of mid-off for four. It wasn’t perfectly timed, but it pierced the infield comfortably.

Holder keeps banging it in short of a length. Samson nudges one to deep mid-wicket for a single before SKY produces the shot of the over. A length ball outside off, and SKY shuffles across — that trademark movement — before heaving it over deep backward square leg for a 74-metre six. Clean, controlled, and very much his zone.

A couple of singles close out the over, with both batters rotating strike smartly.

Interestingly, the matchup numbers favor Holder against Samson in T20s — 57 runs off 52 balls with four dismissals — but Samson is negotiating him better today.

At 67/2 after 7 overs chasing 196, India have recovered well from the early wicket. Samson is looking fluent on 30 off 16, while SKY is beginning to shift gears at 11 off 9. Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm orthodox spinner, has now been introduced — a key phase coming up in the middle overs.

IND vs WI Live Score: Sanju Samson brings balance to the chase with his nonchalance

India move to 53 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, picking up 8 runs off Matthew Forde’s third over — but not without a few nervy moments.

Forde begins with a wide down leg to Suryakumar Yadav. SKY then tucks a short-of-length ball on off to deep square leg for a single. He’s watchful, nudging another inswinger wide of mid-wicket for one more, but otherwise struggling to find fluency against the movement back into him.

Sanju Samson, meanwhile, rides his luck. Forde deceives him with a floaty back-of-the-hand slower ball outside off.

Samson reaches out and lofts — off the bottom of the bat — but it sails safely over backward point for four. It could easily have ballooned to a fielder; fortune favors him there.

A sharp short-of-length delivery then thuds into Samson’s thigh pad for a leg bye. To finish the over, Forde extracts extra bounce outside off. Samson flashes hard, gets a thick inside edge, and for a split second the ball threatens to cannon back onto the stumps. It misses — a real heart-in-mouth moment.

Forde’s figures: 3-0-22-0.

After six overs, India are 53/2 chasing 196. Samson looks the more assured at 24 off 13, while Suryakumar Yadav is easing in at 3 off 6. The required rate is climbing, but with Samson set and SKY capable of rapid acceleration, the contest is still finely balanced.

IND vs WI Live Score: OUT! Ishan Kishan also back in the pavilion

India slip to 45 for 2 after five overs in a dramatic over from Jason Holder that brings eight runs and a crucial wicket.

Holder starts with extra bounce outside off as Ishan Kishan slashes and misses. Ishan quickly responds, though not entirely convincingly. A full ball outside off is lofted over extra cover for four, the bat face opening slightly but clearing the infield comfortably.

Holder hits back immediately. Dropping one short of length just outside off, he induces the pull from Ishan. The contact is flat and not perfectly timed, and Shimron Hetmyer once again proves his worth in the deep. Moving smartly to his right at deep square leg, he reverse-cups the catch just inside the boundary. Holder roars in delight as Ishan departs for 10 off 6 balls.

Suryakumar Yadav arrives under pressure. Holder tests him with a steep, back-of-length delivery that thuds into the thigh pad. A full ball down leg is called wide, followed by another drifting into the pads that results in two leg byes to fine leg. SKY finally gets off strike, gliding a length delivery shaping away to deep backward point for a single.

Holder’s figures read 1-0-6-1. Samson remains on 20 off 10, while SKY is 1 off 3. At 45 for 2, India’s chase of 196 is delicately poised after early fireworks and timely West Indies strikes.

IND vs WI Live Score: Ishan Kishan joins the party

IND vs WI Live Score: India move to 37 for 1 after four overs, adding eight steady runs off Matthew Forde as Ishan Kishan settles quickly alongside the in-form Sanju Samson.

Forde begins with his trademark inswing from a short-of-length on middle. Samson goes back and tucks it neatly to deep square leg for a single. Ishan then gets off strike with a back-foot punch through point to deep point. Samson looks fluent, driving a full ball on off with a classical on-drive wide of mid-on, but Rovman Powell dives sharply to restrict it to just one.

Forde keeps a tight off-stump line, and Samson’s next full-blooded drive finds extra cover. The pressure briefly shifts to Ishan, but he responds positively. A full delivery shaping back into middle is picked up beautifully as he leans forward and flicks it over mid-wicket, comfortably wide of the deep fielder for four.

The over ends with a hint of fortune for Ishan. Attempting a forward drive to a full ball shaping into off, he gets a thick inside edge onto the back leg. The ball trickles to backward square leg, allowing an easy single.

Forde’s figures read 2-0-15-0. Samson progresses smoothly to 20 off 10 balls, while Ishan moves to 6 off 3. India, at 37 for 1, maintain a brisk scoring rate in pursuit of 196.

IND vs WI Live Score: OUT! India lose Abhishek Sharma; India still need 167

India race to 29 for 1 after three overs in a dramatic, high-impact over from Akeal Hosein that brings 17 runs and a key wicket.

Sanju Samson ignites the charge. He begins by backing away to a flat, good-length ball on off and carving a crisp cut between cover-point and extra-cover for four. Hosein errs next, drifting one full and down leg. Samson drops to one knee and sweeps it aerially over deep backward square leg for a commanding six.

A seam-up dart follows and is punched straight to extra cover, but Samson is far from done.

Reading the length early, he rocks back to a good-length delivery and muscles a towering pull over deep mid-wicket for another six, sending the crowd into a frenzy. He then nudges a single to long-off after Hosein fails to cut off a gentle push.

With momentum firmly in India’s favour, Abhishek Sharma looks to join the assault.

However, he overreaches. Hosein drops it short on middle and leg, and Abhishek goes back to pull. The connection is poor, the ball balloons high toward deep square leg, and Shimron Hetmyer calmly settles under it, taking a safe two-handed catch on his knee. Silence descends on Eden Gardens as Abhishek departs for 10 off 11 balls.

Hosein finishes with figures of 2-0-22-1. Samson blazes to 18 off just 7 deliveries, but India lose their first wicket at 29, momentum slightly checked after a blazing start.

IND vs WI Live Score: India 12/0 after 2 overs in chase of 196

India move to 12 without loss after two overs, adding seven runs off Matthew Forde in an eventful over that includes a scare for Abhishek Sharma.

Forde begins from around the wicket with a wide slip in place, angling the ball into the left-hander. Abhishek responds confidently, going back to a short-of-length delivery and pulling it over mid-wicket for four. It races away after one bounce, a positive statement shot early in the chase.

A short ball wide outside off is called a wide as Abhishek fails to connect with the cut. Forde then tightens up, bowling a length delivery outside off that Abhishek steers to backward point. The next moment brings concern — a sharp, pacy short ball climbs on Abhishek as he attempts a pull.

He is late on it, top-edges the ball onto his helmet near the left side of his neck. The physio rushes out for a mandatory concussion check. After a brief pause and a drink, Abhishek gives the thumbs up and resumes.

Back in play, he works a short-of-length ball into the vacant mid-wicket area for a single. Forde then produces a beauty — a late inswinger that cuts Sanju Samson in half, flying past middle stump and narrowly missing the inside edge. Samson survives and gets off the mark with a flick to deep square leg.

Forde’s over reads 1-0-7-0. Abhishek moves to 10 off 10, Samson 1 off 2, as India settle into the chase.

IND vs WI Live Score: India's chase begins with a bang

India begin their chase steadily, reaching 5 for no loss after the first over as Akeal Hosein keeps things tight despite conceding one boundary.

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson walk out to start the pursuit of 196, with Abhishek taking strike against the left-arm spin of Hosein. The over begins with a tossed-up delivery on leg stump that Abhishek gently drives back to the bowler. Hosein then errs slightly, floating one wide and full outside off. Abhishek pounces on it, stepping forward and carving a confident loft over extra cover for four — a shot that highlights his strength against width.

The bowler quickly corrects his line. A slower, wider delivery turns away and beats Abhishek’s attempted loft, coming close to the outside edge. The slip is soon taken out as Hosein continues to vary his pace. A quicker ball outside leg stump is worked quietly to mid-wicket, followed by a flat good-length delivery on middle that Abhishek drives on the rise but straight to extra cover.

The over ends with a tossed-up full ball on middle, which Abhishek drives to the left of extra cover and calls for a sharp single.

India move to 5 without loss, Abhishek on 5 off 6 balls, while Samson is yet to face. Hosein’s first over reads 1-0-5-0, a controlled start in defence of a challenging total.

IND 5-0 in 1 over in chase of 196

IND vs WI Live Score: India need 196 to make the semi-finals

West Indies finish on 195 for 4, but there is a lingering feeling they have left at least 20 runs out there despite smashing 70 off the last five overs.

Jasprit Bumrah takes responsibility for the final over and concedes 14 runs. Jason Holder starts in style, clearing his front leg to a length ball outside off and launching it over cow corner for an 82-metre six. It is a clean strike and sets the tone for a strong finish.

Bumrah responds with a pinpoint yorker on off stump at 139 kph, and Holder can only jam it down to long-on for a single. Another perfect yorker follows at 136 kph, squeezed by Rovman Powell into the mid-wicket pocket. Hardik Pandya sprints across from long-on, but the batters steal two.

A low full toss angled into the stumps is then muscled firmly through mid-wicket for four by Powell, the lightning outfield doing the rest as the deep fielders barely move. Bumrah fires one into the pads next ball; Powell misses the flick and they scramble a leg bye as it rolls into the off-side.

The innings ends with a trademark 140 kph yorker on the stumps. Holder jams it out near his feet and looks for a risky single, but Powell declines. Bumrah gathers and breaks the stumps, though Holder is safely back.

Bumrah finishes with 4-0-36-2. West Indies post 195 for 4 — competitive, but perhaps slightly under par on this batting-friendly surface.

WI 195-4 in 20 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Arshdeep keeps it tight

IND vs WI Live Score: Arshdeep Singh delivers a strong comeback in the 19th over, conceding just six runs as West Indies move to 181 for 4 heading into the final over.

After being taken for 24 in his previous over, Arshdeep adjusts smartly, going wider outside off and mixing pace. Holder begins with a mistimed loft to long-off for a single, failing to get under a full ball angled well wide. Powell then survives a nervy moment. Attempting a sweep to a ball angled away, he top-edges it, but it rolls safely toward short third.

A bigger chance goes down next ball. Arshdeep fires in a full delivery on leg stump at 138 kph. Powell flicks stylishly but does not middle it.

Abhishek Sharma runs in from deep mid-wicket, dives forward, and gets both hands to it, only to spill the catch as his elbows hit the ground. It is a costly miss, allowing Powell to continue.

Arshdeep keeps attacking the wide line. A full ball sprayed well outside off is called wide, but Holder struggles to connect cleanly on the following deliveries. He toe-ends a slog past the keeper for no run and then slaps a low full toss off the cue end for two. The over ends with Holder squeezing another full, wide delivery to long-off for a single.

The crowd appreciates Arshdeep’s composure under pressure. He finishes with figures of 4-0-43-0. With West Indies at 181 for 4, the stage is set for a decisive final over.

IND vs WI Live Score: 12 more balls remaining

West Indies maintain their late-innings charge, adding 12 runs off Jasprit Bumrah’s third over to reach 175 for 4 after 18 overs.

Powell begins with a firm flick to long-on for a single, briefly eyeing a second before being sent back. Holder then takes on a slower bouncer outside off, fetching the pull and getting a thick top edge that races away to the deep mid-wicket fence for four. It is not perfectly timed, but effective.

Holder continues to press, stepping down the track to a full ball and drilling it straight to long-on for one. Bumrah’s radar slips slightly as a 139 kph full toss on the stumps allows Powell to whip it to deep mid-wicket for another single. A low full toss outside off follows, and Holder slogs it off the cue end toward long-on for one more.

The over ends with a boundary. Bumrah delivers a 136 kph full ball on leg stump, and Powell flicks it fine. Varun dives to his left at short fine leg but cannot prevent the ball from reaching the rope. Bumrah shows visible frustration at the missed fielding effort.

Powell moves to 27 off 14 balls, while Holder advances to 26 off 15. Bumrah’s figures read 3-0-23-2, still impressive despite the over’s yield. With two overs remaining and West Indies well set at 175 for 4, a 190-plus total is firmly within reach.

WI 175-4 in 18 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Windies closing in on 200?

West Indies continue their late surge, plundering 14 runs off the 17th over to reach 163 for 4, with Jason Holder taking charge against Varun Chakaravarthy.

Holder begins the over with a streaky single, slogging a quicker delivery on the stumps and getting a thick inside edge past short fine leg. Powell then manages just one, heaving another skiddy ball off the inside half to deep square. But the momentum swings decisively when Varun misses his length.

A full delivery in the slot around off stump is punished brutally. Holder clears his front leg and launches it wide of long-on for a towering 80-metre six. The intent is clear — anything remotely overpitched will disappear. Varun follows with a short ball, and Holder smartly creates room on the off-side to slap it to sweeper cover for two.

The pressure mounts further when Varun drops one short and flat outside off. Holder unleashes his bottom-hand power, thumping it straight down the ground for four, comfortably clearing mid-on. It is calculated aggression, targeting length errors with precision.

The final ball sparks mild controversy. Varun angles it well wide of off as Holder shuffles across and shoulders arms, expecting a wide call. Umpire Alex Wharf remains unmoved, denying the extra run.

Holder races to 20 off 12 balls, while Powell sits on 21 off 11. Varun finishes with figures of 4-0-40-1 as West Indies seize firm control heading into the final three overs.

WI 163-4 in 17 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Rovman Powell showcases his muscle power

The 16th over explodes for 24 runs as West Indies surge to 149 for 4, with Rovman Powell launching a brutal assault on Arshdeep Singh.

Arshdeep begins from round the wicket and Powell immediately gets off strike with a dab to backward point. Holder survives a nervy moment when a short ball flies off the thick inside half but lands safely short of long-on. Pressure builds — then chaos follows.

A sharp bouncer on the stumps results in five wides as Powell ducks and the ball flies past a diving Sanju Samson. The momentum completely shifts. Powell then smokes a 134 kph length ball, swivelling into a monstrous 98-metre pull over square leg — the biggest six of the match so far.

Arshdeep switches angles but misses again, spraying a wide outside off. The correction proves costly. A full delivery on middle and leg is whipped gloriously by Powell for a 69-metre six over square leg. The timing is sublime.

And he is not done yet. With confidence sky-high, Powell sits deep in the crease to a short, wide ball and carves a fierce cut past backward point for four, sealing a massive over.

Powell rockets to 20 off just 10 balls, while Holder quietly moves to 7 off 7. Arshdeep’s figures balloon to 3-0-37-0 as West Indies seize control heading into the final overs, their power-hitters in full flow.

WI 149/4 in 16 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: OUT! Hardik Pandya strikes, Sherfane Rutherford gone

Hardik Pandya strikes at the start of the 15th over as West Indies slip to 125 for 4, though Jason Holder finishes with a statement six.

The breakthrough comes immediately. Hardik rolls his fingers over an off-cutter, digging it into the surface and angling it away from Sherfane Rutherford. The left-hander attempts a cheeky dab but only manages a thick outside edge through to Sanju Samson. The keeper grabs it cleanly and celebrates instantly, with Rutherford already walking off for 14 off 9 balls. UltraEdge later confirms there was a clear edge.

Jason Holder walks in under pressure and is tested straightaway. Hardik keeps it tight with seam-up deliveries in the fifth-stump channel, mixing pace around the 129–134 kph mark. Holder initially struggles to find timing — beaten outside off while trying to dab to third man, then pushing a couple of fuller balls straight to cover. For four consecutive deliveries, India build pressure with dot balls, stalling West Indies’ momentum.

But Holder responds emphatically to the final ball. After being tied down, he steps out to a length delivery and launches it straight back over Hardik’s head for an 85-metre maximum. It is a clean, authoritative strike down the ground, instantly breaking the dot-ball sequence and lifting the total.

Hardik finishes with figures of 4-0-40-1. Despite the wicket and a tight middle phase, Holder’s late six ensures West Indies keep their scoring rate healthy heading into the death overs.

WI 125/4 in 15 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Six overs remaining

Varun Chakravarthy delivers a controlled 14th over as West Indies move to 119 for 3, adding six steady runs without taking undue risks.

The over almost begins with a breakthrough. Varun gets one to drift in from a length and strike Rovman Powell on the pads, beating the inside edge. The appeal goes up for lbw, and after a long discussion between Suryakumar Yadav and his skipper, India opt for the review. Umpire Chris Gaffaney, who has had a sharp game, is proven correct as the decision stays not out, sparing Powell on what was a close call.

From there, the batters focus on rotation. Powell stays leg-side of a quicker delivery and punches it wide of sweeper cover for a single, before tucking another neatly through mid-wicket to keep the board ticking. Sherfane Rutherford matches him, calmly clipping one into the mid-wicket region and later flicking a fuller ball on middle and leg along the ground to the left of long-on for two.

The over concludes with Rutherford pushing a single down to long-on. Varun keeps things tight, mixing drift and pace cleverly, and finishes the over with figures of 3-0-26-1.

Rutherford moves to 14 off 8 balls, while Powell inches to 3 off 6. Though the run rate remains healthy, India will feel satisfied with the control exerted through the middle overs, ensuring West Indies do not fully break free after their earlier surge.

WI 119/3 in 14 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: OUT! A big moment in the match, Jasprit Bumrah strikes twice

Jasprit Bumrah turns the game on its head in the 12th over, conceding just four runs while picking up two massive wickets as West Indies slip to 103 for 3.

The over begins quietly with Roston Chase guiding a slower short-of-length ball to third man for a single. Shimron Hetmyer, who has been aggressive, nudges another short delivery into the mid-wicket region for two, continuing his preference for that area.

Then comes the breakthrough. Bumrah angles a short-of-length delivery across Hetmyer. The left-hander looks to slog across the line but gets a faint inside edge through to Sanju Samson. The on-field umpire raises the finger, and UltraEdge confirms a clear spike. Hetmyer departs for 27 off 12 balls. The numbers underline Bumrah’s dominance — in T20s, Hetmyer has managed just 15 runs off 21 balls against him, falling five times.

Sherfane Rutherford arrives and gets off the mark with a single to point, but Bumrah is not done yet. He produces a clever slower delivery that climbs awkwardly on Chase. Caught in two minds, Chase checks his shot and the ball lobs off the splice. Suryakumar Yadav sprints to his right and pulls off a stunning full-stretch catch, perfectly timed and cleanly taken. Chase falls for 40 off 25.

Rovman Powell walks in and defends the final ball. Bumrah finishes with brilliant figures of 2-0-11-2, dragging India firmly back into the contest.

WI 103/3 in 12 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: At the end of 10 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: ​West Indies push ahead to 82 for 1 after 10 overs, taking 13 runs off a wayward Hardik Pandya over that features wides and signs of dew settling in.

Hardik struggles for control from the outset. He attempts to vary his pace and go wide of off stump, but misses his mark more than once. A wide slower ball drifts too far outside off, and a yorker attempt slides down the leg side for another extra. In total, three wides inflate the over and release pressure.

Roston Chase continues to look fluent. He collects a single with a driven push to deep cover and later reaches out cleverly to guide another wide slower ball into the covers for one. Shimron Hetmyer stays composed at the other end, driving a full ball down to long-on before working a slower delivery on leg stump to deep mid-wicket. There is brief interest in a second run, but they settle for one.

The outfield appears slightly slick, with visible moisture on the buggy cam tyres suggesting dew could become a factor as the night progresses. That may partly explain Hardik’s grip issues as he finishes with figures of 3-0-34-0.

Chase moves to 38 off 22 balls, while Hetmyer advances briskly to 9 off 5. At the halfway mark, West Indies are well placed at 82 for 1. Meanwhile, a stat underlines Hope’s earlier struggle for fluency — he faced 17 dot balls in his 33-ball stay, a dot-ball percentage of 51.5%, the highest among 30-plus ball innings in this tournament.

WI 82/1 in 10 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Varun Chakaravarthy strikes, India now have the much coveted wicket

Varun Chakravarthy makes an instant impact as West Indies move to 69 for 1 after nine overs, with just three runs and a crucial wicket coming from his first over.

He begins with a flat delivery outside off that Shai Hope punches to deep cover for a single. Roston Chase then nudges one down to long-on after a tight, skiddy ball on off stump. Varun keeps varying his pace and angles, drawing a missed sweep from Chase as one turns back in and strikes him on the pad, though he is outside the line.

There is a hint of danger when Varun fires one wider and Hope is beaten on the cut. Sensing opportunity, Varun goes flatter and quicker from around the wicket. Hope attempts to stay leg-side to free his arms through the off-side, but the ball skids on sharply, sneaks under the bat and crashes into middle stump. It is a clean bowled dismissal, a vital breakthrough for India. Hope departs for 32 off 33 balls, an innings containing three fours and a six.

Shimron Hetmyer walks in and gets off the mark with a single to deep backward square leg off the final ball. Varun finishes with impressive figures of 1-0-3-1. With Eden Gardens being familiar territory for him, India will hope this is the first of several breakthroughs as momentum begins to shift.

WI 69-1 in 9 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Still no wicket to celebrate for India

West Indies surge to 56 without loss after seven overs, collecting 11 runs from Hardik Pandya’s second over as Roston Chase continues to dominate.

Hardik returns to the attack looking for a breakthrough, but Chase greets him confidently. The over begins with a short-of-length delivery that moves away slightly. Chase looks to work it to the on-side, gets a leading edge, and picks up two runs as the ball rolls safely to deep cover. Hardik then finds some rhythm, beating Chase outside off with a delivery that nips away after pitching.

Chase quickly regains control. A short ball outside off is tapped into the off-side for a single, and Shai Hope follows with a gentle push to cover for one more. The pressure briefly shifts back to the bowler, but it does not last long.

The standout moment comes in the fifth ball of the over. Hardik offers a slot delivery, and Chase pounces. Getting neatly inside the line, he lofts it beautifully over wide long-on. It is a clean strike, powered through the line with excellent wrist work, sailing for six and bringing the crowd to life.

Chase calmly taps the final ball to backward point for a single, ensuring strike rotation and closing another productive over. He races to 30 off just 16 balls, while Hope anchors at 26 off 26. Hardik’s figures read 2-0-21-0, and West Indies look firmly in control with a commanding opening partnership.

IND vs WI Live Score: Abhishek Sharma drops a sitter

West Indies reach 35 without loss after five overs, adding seven runs off Jasprit Bumrah’s first over, though India miss a huge opportunity to strike.

Bumrah begins with control, hitting a short-of-length line that shapes away as Shai Hope drives straight to cover. He then deceives Hope with a slower ball; the batter is early into a cut and nearly chips a catch to cover-point, but it falls short. A better response follows as Hope reads the next slower delivery well and drills a crisp cover drive. A brilliant diving stop from Abhishek Sharma saves runs, though a shy at the striker’s end misses.

Roston Chase then produces a moment of invention. Anticipating length, he gets inside the line of a full ball and attempts a scoop. Bumrah is caught by surprise as the ball flies fine for four, nearly carrying all the way. The next delivery brings drama. Chase swings hard at a slower ball and skies a top edge high toward extra cover. Abhishek settles under it, gets both hands to a straightforward chance, but spills it. The Indian dugout shows visible frustration, while Bumrah remains characteristically calm and walks back without much reaction.

Chase and Hope rotate strike off the final two balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Hope moves to 20 off 22 balls, while Chase advances briskly to 15 off just 8 deliveries. Despite Bumrah conceding only seven runs, the dropped catch could prove costly as West Indies maintain momentum at 35 without loss at the end of the Powerplay.

WI 35/0 in 5 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Axar Patel brought into the attack

IND vs WI Live Score: Axar Patel pulls things back with a tight fourth over as West Indies move to 28 without loss, adding just five runs.

The over begins brightly for the visitors when Shai Hope produces a classy boundary. Axar fires it in flat and close to the stumps, but Hope makes room, opens the bat face late and guides it past backward point for four with third man up. It is a clever, controlled stroke rather than brute force.

From there, Axar clamps down. He keeps the ball flat, quick and attacking the stumps. Hope looks to force the pace but struggles to find gaps. A flatter delivery angles in and takes an inside edge onto the pad. Another darted ball cramps him for room as he attempts to steer it fine, only to pick out short third man. Axar then cleverly changes pace, slowing one up in flight. Hope tries to slog across the line but gets an inside edge that dribbles to square leg. A shortish ball is punched straight to cover-point, continuing the dot-ball pressure.

Hope finally nudges a single down to long-off off the last ball, ensuring only five come from the over.

There is a brief break as Roston Chase calls for the physio and removes his right pad, while Suryakumar Yadav appears to gesture to Axar about varying his flight. With the lightning outfield and batting-friendly surface, 200 looks possible, but India’s spinners are starting to apply control after West Indies’ brisk start.

WI 28-0 in 4 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Windies find mojo; another 10-run over

West Indies continue their positive start, collecting another 10 runs in the third over to move to 23 without loss. Arshdeep Singh begins well but loses his length towards the end, allowing Roston Chase to capitalise.

The over starts with a dot, but the pressure eases as Chase and Hope rotate strike with a couple of singles. A sharp moment follows when a run-out chance goes begging. Chase drives a full delivery to cover where Varun cuts it off cleanly. Chase sets off confidently, believing the single is on, but Shai Hope is ball-watching and sends him back late. With Chase stranded halfway down the pitch, Varun opts to aim at the bowler’s end instead of the keeper’s end, missing a big opportunity to break the partnership.

That escape proves costly. Chase soon finds his rhythm, tapping a short-of-length ball for one before Hope crunches a back-foot drive to deep cover. Arshdeep then overpitches, and Chase makes him pay in style. First, he plays a lovely lofted straight drive that bounces once towards the sightscreen for four. On the very next ball, Arshdeep overpitches again and is punished with another boundary, capping off an expensive finish to the over.

Roston Chase moves briskly to 10 off 6 balls, while Shai Hope stands at 13 off 12. Arshdeep’s figures read 2-0-13-0, and West Indies are building nicely at 23 without loss, with the Powerplay momentum starting to tilt their way.

WI 23/0 after 3 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Hardik Pandya gives away 10 in his opening over

IND vs WI Live Score: West Indies shift gears in the second over, scoring 10 runs to move to 13 without loss. Hardik Pandya starts tightly but Shai Hope breaks the shackles with a towering six and a classy boundary.

Hope first survives a nervy moment, nearly dragging one onto his stumps as uneven bounce comes into play. He then connects cleanly with a flicked pull over mid-wicket for six, finally getting the innings moving. Hardik responds smartly, digging one in as Hope advances, but the over ends on a sour note for the bowler.

On the final ball, Hope plays a “lovely cover drive,” deliberately staying leg-side of a fuller delivery and opening the bat face to pierce the gap between cover-point and cover for four. It caps off a productive over for the visitors.

Eden Gardens has seen notable swing for seamers in the Powerplay during this tournament, though this is the first night game here. So far, movement is minimal, but the bowlers are disciplined with their lines. Hope moves to 12 off 11 balls, while Roston Chase remains on 1. Hardik finishes his first over conceding 10 runs, and West Indies look to push towards a 45–50 Powerplay total, though a wicket could quickly change that outlook.

WI 13/0 in 2 overs

IND vs WI Live Score: Arshdeep Singh keeps Windies quiet at the end of first over

West Indies begin steadily, moving to 3 without loss after the first over. The sequence reads 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 — three singles and no boundaries as India keep things tight early on.

Shai Hope is watchful at the crease with 2 off 5 balls, while Roston Chase gets off the mark with 1 from his first delivery.

Arshdeep Singh delivers a disciplined opening over, conceding just three runs and building early pressure without allowing the batters any room to free their arms.

WI 3/0 in 1 over

IND vs WI Live Score: What does the pitch offer?

As anticipation builds for this winner-take-all clash, Samuel Badree and Matthew Hayden perfectly captured the electric atmosphere surrounding the contest. With a semifinal spot on the line, the tension is unmistakable. The weather is ideal, the stands are buzzing, and the venue looks magnificent under the lights. Everything is set for a blockbuster.

They highlighted that this is traditionally a high-scoring ground, one that rewards bold stroke play. From the clubhouse end, the straight boundary measures 73 metres, while the square boundaries are almost equal on both sides, offering balance for both right- and left-handed batters.

The dimensions encourage big hitting, and plenty of sixes have already been struck here during the tournament. However, it’s not just about clearing the ropes. The outfield is among the fastest in world cricket, meaning well-timed shots along the ground can race away just as quickly. Placement and timing will be as valuable as raw power.

Turning to the pitch, both commentators were impressed with its quality. There is healthy, living grass on the surface, but it is not overly dry. One end appears slightly drier with marginally less grass coverage, which could offer subtle variations for bowlers willing to adapt. Overall, though, the surface looks excellent for batting.

Badree and Hayden described it as a “six-hitting paradise,” a strip designed for aggressive cricket. Both teams have already shown their ability to dominate in the powerplay and middle overs, particularly the West Indies, who have made strong use of fresh surfaces earlier in the tournament.

With perfect weather, true bounce, and lightning pace off the bat, all signs point toward a high-octane showdown. If the pitch plays as expected, fans could be treated to a run-fest where fearless stroke play takes center stage.

IND vs WI Live Score: India win toss, opt to bowl against Windies in do-or-die affair

India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

West Indies (Playing XI): Shai Hope(w/c), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

IND vs WI Live Score: Oh, Toss coming up! In case you have never paid attention to ...

It gets darker earlier in Kolkata than in Delhi mainly because of geography and time zones.

Both Kolkata and Delhi follow Indian Standard Time (IST), which is based on 82.5° East longitude (near Prayagraj). However, India stretches widely from east to west, and Kolkata lies much further east than Delhi. This difference in longitude affects when the sun rises and sets.

Kolkata is located at roughly 88.4°E, while Delhi sits around 77.1°E. That’s a difference of over 11 degrees of longitude. Since the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, it turns about 15 degrees every hour — or 1 degree every 4 minutes. This means Kolkata experiences sunrise and sunset approximately 45 minutes earlier than Delhi in solar time.

Because India uses a single time zone, clocks show the same time in both cities. But in reality, the sun reaches its highest point and sets earlier in Kolkata. So when it is 6:00 PM by the clock in both cities, the sun in Kolkata is effectively further along in its daily path compared to Delhi.

Latitude also plays a small role. Kolkata is slightly closer to the equator than Delhi, which can influence the angle of sunlight and day length marginally across seasons. However, the primary reason for earlier darkness is the east–west position.

In practical terms, this means during winter, it can start getting dark in Kolkata around 5:00 PM or even earlier, while Delhi may still have daylight for another 30–45 minutes. The same pattern holds for sunrise — mornings break earlier in Kolkata too.

If India had multiple time zones like the United States, the difference would feel less noticeable. But under a single national time standard, eastern cities like Kolkata naturally experience earlier sunsets compared to western cities like Delhi.

IND vs WI Live Score: The iconic Eden Gardens stadium is getting filled. It is going to be a full-house tonight.

IND vs WI Live Score: T20 records at the iconic Eden Gardens

IND vs WI Live Score: ​The T20I numbers at Eden Gardens paint a fascinating picture ahead of this high-stakes clash between India and the West Indies. Historically, the venue has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball, with 18 T20Is played so far and an even split — nine matches won by teams batting first and nine by teams chasing. This perfect symmetry underlines how crucial toss decisions and in-game execution will be.

The average first-innings score at the ground stands at 161, while the average second-innings score drops to 139. That 22-run gap suggests that scoreboard pressure can play a role under lights, especially in high-pressure matches. Teams setting a total have often been able to defend it successfully, particularly when they cross the 170-mark.

The highest total recorded at the venue — 207/4 by Scotland against Italy — shows that the surface is capable of producing big scores. At the same time, the lowest total of 70 all out by Bangladesh against New Zealand proves that disciplined bowling and pressure can cause dramatic collapses.

Interestingly, the highest successful chase at Eden Gardens in T20Is is 162/4 by India against the West Indies, indicating that while chasing is possible, mammoth totals are not easily overhauled. On the flip side, the lowest score successfully defended is 186/5 by India against the West Indies, highlighting that anything around 180-plus can be highly competitive.

T20 records at the iconic Eden Gardens

• Total Matches: 18
• Matches Won Batting First: 9
• Matches Won Bowling First: 9
• Average 1st Innings Score: 161
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 139
• Highest Total Recorded: 207/4 (20 Ovs) by SCO vs ITA
• Lowest Total Recorded: 70/10 (15.4 Ovs) by BAN vs NZ
• Highest Score Chased: 162/4 (18.5 Ovs) by IND vs WI
• Lowest Score Defended: 186/5 (20 Ovs) by IND vs WI

India vs West Indies Live Score: You can feel the excitement in the air outside the stadium ahead of IND vs WI Super 8 clash (Photo by Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com)

IND vs WI Live Score: Fifty matches into the T20 World Cup across India and Sri Lanka, only one team remains unbeaten — Aiden Markram’s South Africa, with six wins from six. The final semifinal spot will be decided on Sunday at Eden Gardens, where defending champions India face the West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav and coached by Gautam Gambhir, were pre-tournament favourites but now find themselves in a must-win situation. The clash marks their first true high-pressure test of the tournament. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stressed the importance of composure: "South Africa are the only undefeated team in the competition now. A tournament of this magnitude builds in stature and builds to this point where it is a quarter-final and you have to win to stay alive. The important thing is to focus on ourselves and what has got this group to this point, and how well they have done. Now there are only quality players left in the tournament, so it is about big players standing up, experienced players standing up, remaining calm and staying true to the way we have played leading up to this match."

India are choosing to embrace the moment rather than shy away from it. "I do not think you ever want to mask pressure. You want to go towards pressure... We are continually telling the guys what a privilege it is to play for your country and what a privilege it is to walk out at Eden Gardens in a match to stay in the tournament," ten Doeschate added.

West Indies coach Darren Sammy exuded confidence: "Of course, every time we come to Eden Gardens, it brings back good memories. Do I tell you my XI? No, I will not. But I can tell you all my soldiers are ready for battle tomorrow when we call upon them. We will have to wait till the toss for the XI."

After their loss to South Africa, Sammy urged his side to move on: "Leave South Africa in Ahmedabad, just like in 2016... our focus has been solely on what we have to do tomorrow against a strong Indian team."

Ten Doeschate concluded confidently: "We are going to fight fire with fire tomorrow, and I am expecting a really good game out there."

IND vs WI Live Score: Wil it rain in Kolkata?

India head into their virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies with momentum on their side after a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe. That dominant performance has set up a winner-takes-all Super Eights clash at Eden Gardens on March 1, where a semifinal spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 will be decided.

The weather in Kolkata is expected to be ideal for cricket. Conditions will be sunny and clear throughout the day, with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 31°C. Importantly, there is no forecast of rain, ensuring a full, uninterrupted contest under perfect playing conditions.

The pitch report further adds to the excitement. The match will be played on the same strip — Pitch No. 5 or 6 — that earlier produced the tournament’s first 200-plus total. On that occasion, Scotland piled up 207/4 against Italy in a commanding batting display. Although Italy were later bowled out for 134 in under 17 overs, the surface clearly showed its batting-friendly nature.

Off-spinner Michael Leask stood out in that game with figures of 4/17, proving that while the pitch favors stroke play, disciplined spin can still make an impact.

Given these conditions, fans can expect a high-scoring encounter. Both India and the West Indies boast explosive batting line-ups capable of clearing the ropes with ease. The true bounce and quick outfield at Eden Gardens traditionally reward aggressive intent, and with so much at stake, neither side is likely to hold back.

With clear skies overhead and a flat, run-friendly pitch beneath their feet, all signs point toward a high-octane showdown in Kolkata — one that could turn into a six-hitting spectacle as both teams chase a place in the semifinals.

IND vs WI Live Score: Will it be spin to win for India?

India’s virtual knockout against the West Indies for the final T20 World Cup semifinal spot could boil down to one decisive factor — how well both teams handle spin at Eden Gardens. With a packed crowd expected in Kolkata, fans will hope for a six-hitting spectacle, but spin bowlers from both sides may have other ideas.

India have shown vulnerability against finger spin in this tournament, losing 19 wickets to that variety — second only to England’s 22.

The West Indies’ trio of Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, and Roston Chase could therefore play a crucial role. Motie has been especially effective, picking up 10 wickets in six matches at an impressive average, while Hosein and Chase have also delivered timely breakthroughs.

Their ability to target India’s left-handers, including Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, could disrupt the top order.

Collectively, the 20 wickets taken by West Indies finger spinners rank them among the most productive spin units in the tournament, behind only Sri Lanka and Pakistan. If the surface offers grip, their role becomes even more significant.

However, the Caribbean side faces a serious spin challenge of its own — Varun Chakravarthy. The mystery wrist spinner, who represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, is playing at his home venue and understands the conditions well. Since the last T20 World Cup, the West Indies have lost 67 wickets to wrist spin in T20Is — the most by any Test-playing nation in that period.

Varun has been India’s leading wicket-taker in this tournament with 11 scalps, maintaining an impressive average and economy rate overall. Though he has endured a slight dip during the Super Eight phase, Eden Gardens could be the perfect stage for a resurgence. If the pitch offers turn, his variations and control may prove decisive in this high-stakes encounter.

IND vs WI Live Score: Let's have a look at India's impressive record at Eden Gardens in T20Is

​IND vs WI Live Score: With three semifinalists already confirmed at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the final spot will be decided on Sunday evening when defending champions India face the West Indies in their last Super Eights clash. The stakes are clear: the winner moves on, the loser goes home.

India head into the contest with renewed confidence after a strong win over Zimbabwe. The equation for them is straightforward — beat the West Indies and secure a semifinal berth; lose, and their title defence ends. If India qualify, they are likely to finish second in Group 1 behind South Africa and could face England, the top-ranked side from Group 2, in the semifinal.

The match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, a venue where India have historically thrived in T20 cricket. Since 2016, India have remained unbeaten at the ground in the shortest format.

Out of eight T20Is played there since 2011, they have lost only once — against England in October 2011 — and have since won seven consecutive matches at the venue.

India also boast a dominant head-to-head record against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. The two sides have met four times in T20Is at the iconic stadium, with India winning all four encounters. Their most recent victory over the Caribbean side at this ground came in February 2022.

However, the West Indies carry fond memories of Kolkata as well. They famously lifted their second T20 World Cup title at this venue in 2016 after defeating England in the final, adding extra narrative to this high-pressure encounter.

India and the West Indies have faced each other 30 times in T20Is. India hold the advantage with 19 wins, while the West Indies have won 10 matches, with one game ending in no result.

IND vs WI Live Score: South Africa have already qualified for the semi-finals

While backing India in their semifinal decider, Temba Bavuma also reflected on his own team’s campaign, particularly the performances of pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada.

Rabada’s numbers in the tournament — four wickets in six matches — may not reflect his usual dominance, but Bavuma insists the senior quick remains a vital figure. He pointed to Rabada’s impactful spell of 2/22 against the West Indies as evidence of his enduring class. According to Bavuma, dropped catches off Rabada’s bowling have masked what could have been far more impressive figures.

“I think he has also been unlucky, right, where there have been a lot of drop catches of his bowling. I mean, his figures could have looked a lot different there. So, I mean, for me, from a captain's point of view, I would not be unhappy with his performances,” Bavuma explained.

The Proteas captain also praised the collective strength of South Africa’s pace unit. Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch have all delivered consistently, ensuring that the burden has not fallen solely on Rabada. Bavuma noted that it is rare for four fast bowlers in the same side to peak simultaneously, yet South Africa’s attack has largely achieved that balance.

Beyond statistics, Bavuma emphasized Rabada’s stature within the squad. At 30, with nearly 600 international wickets, he described him as a complete “package” — a bowler who thrives under pressure. He referenced Rabada’s standout performance in the World Test Championship final, where he rose to the occasion when scrutiny was highest.

“If I were a betting man, I would definitely put money on him to do something special,” Bavuma added, expressing confidence that Rabada’s defining moment in this tournament could still be around the corner.