Watch: Gautam Gambhir gives cold stare to Abhishek Sharma after dismissing only 10 runs in IND vs WI Super 8 match

India sealed a spot in the semi-finals for the third straight time after a commanding win over West Indies on Sunday. In a virtual quarter-final at Eden Gardens, Sanju Samson played a breathtaking knock of 97 to steer the chase of 196 and secure a six-wicket triumph. The Men in Blue will now travel to Mumbai to take on England at the Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

Chasing 195, Samson produced the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup run chase. He dominated the powerplay with crisp timing and fearless stroke play, keeping the required rate under control. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma showed early promise with a couple of boundaries but could not build on his start.

The left-hander managed just 10 from 11 deliveries in a high-pressure encounter. After dropping two catches earlier in the match, expectations were high for him to deliver with the bat. Instead, his dismissal created a brief moment of tension. As he walked back to the dressing room, head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen giving him a cold stare, reflecting his disappointment.

Watch Gautam Gambhir's expression below:

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Abhishek struggles again for India in Kolkata

Abhishek Sharma showed signs of returning to form with a half-century against Zimbabwe in Chennai, where India posted a tournament-high score of 256. However, in the important chase of 196 against West Indies, India needed a solid opening partnership to stay alive in the semi-final race.

The left-hander struck a boundary off his second ball, but that remained the only positive part of his innings. He found it difficult to rotate strike and managed just 10 runs from 11 balls. Trying to break the shackles, Abhishek attempted a risky shot but could only send the ball high in the air, where Shimron Hetmyer took a catch at deep square leg.

His fielding performance also came under scrutiny earlier in the match. During the powerplay, Roston Chase was dropped when a slower delivery from Jasprit Bumrah deceived him. Abhishek misjudged the catch and dropped it, allowing Chase to survive on 15. The West Indies opener later capitalised on the opportunity, scoring a quick 40 off 25 balls. Abhishek also dropped Rovman Powell in the death overs, who then added a boundary before West Indies finished at 195/4 in 20 overs at Eden Gardens.

India successfully chased the target, reaching 199/5 in 19.2 overs to win the match by five wickets. The team will now face England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium. A win in the semi-final will secure a place in the tournament final.

Brief Score:

India – 199/5 (19.2 overs)
West Indies – 195/4 (20 overs)
Result – India won by 5 wickets