Mohammad Amir is not backing down. After confidently predicting that India would fail to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026, a call proved wrong the moment Sanju Samson dismantled the West Indies at Eden Gardens, the former Pakistan pacer has now doubled down. India may be in the last four, he says, but they still won’t play the final.
India sealed their semifinal berth with a commanding five-wicket win over West Indies in what was effectively a virtual quarterfinal. Chasing 196, they rode on Samson’s unbeaten 97 to script their highest-ever run chase in T20 World Cup history. The Caribbean unit had their moments but India got over the ropes despite some nervy moments. That’s why Amir isn’t convinced yet.
“India complete cricket nahi khel rha”
Speaking after India’s qualification, Amir said: “India complete cricket nahi khel rha. India final nahi kehelega [India are not playing complete cricket. India will not play the final.”
He did acknowledge Samson’s brilliance but insisted issues remain. “My semifinal analysis was correct, but Sanju Samson played really good cricket. Still, I feel India is not playing complete cricket yet, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, not a single bowler is in form. Just look at their batting, in almost every match, they keep suffering collapses. The semifinal against England will be a good contest, but I am sure India will not play the final.“
It is a bold claim, especially after India’s statement win. West Indies had posted 195/4, powered by late acceleration from Jason Holder and Rovman Powell. Bumrah was once again India’s standout bowler, returning 2/36. The chase began shakily at 41/2, but Samson absorbed pressure, stitched partnerships and finished unbeaten, something he had never done before in 29 previous T20 run-chases across IPL and internationals.
His 97* is now the highest score by an Indian in a successful T20 World Cup chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82s in 2016 and 2022. It is also India’s highest-ever T20 World Cup chase and secured a record-equalling sixth semifinal appearance. Yet, for Amir, India remain incomplete.
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