Ahead of the crucial encounter between India and England, the head coach of the Indian team. Gautam Gambhir along with his family is set to seek divine blessings at the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. Gambhir is a spiritually active person, as we have seen on many occasions before.
The Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of Mumbai’s most famous and respected temples. Many sportspersons and celebrities visit the temple to seek blessings before important matches and big events.
India have received huge support from fans across all venues throughout the tournament, and excitement is high as India enter the semi-final stage. As the tournament reaches its final phase, Team India need to bring their best possible game to the field.
Match Summary
- West Indies batted first and posted a competitive 195/4 in 20 overs.
- Top scorers: Roston Chase (40), Jason Holder (37*), Shai Hope contributed but was criticized for a slower 32 off 33.
- India’s bowling: Jasprit Bumrah took 2/36 (key wickets), with tight spells from others restricting the total despite some fielding lapses (misfields and drops).
- India chased 196 successfully in 19.2 overs, finishing at 199/5.
- Sanju Samson starred with an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes), anchoring the innings and carrying his bat through.
- Key partnerships: Samson with Tilak Varma (27) and others; Hardik Pandya provided late support.
- This chase marked India’s highest successful run chase in T20 World Cups and the highest-ever T20I chase at Eden Gardens.
- Player of the Match: Sanju Samson for his match-winning knock.
- Result Impact:
- India qualified for the semi-finals (facing England next at Wankhede Stadium).
- West Indies were eliminated from the tournament.
It was a high-pressure thriller with India showing composure in the chase despite early wickets. The Eden Gardens crowd went wild with celebrations (laser lights, “Lehra Do,” and “Vande Mataram” playing) as Samson sealed it with a boundary.