Portugal Colonial - 'Superman Sanju' toast of India after T20 World Cup heroics

Samson's unbeaten 97 led India's chase of 196 against the West Indies in the last Super Eights match to set up a semi-final against England in Mumbai on Thursday.

Samson paced his innings to perfection and had more than a billion India fans erupting in joy on Sunday night when he hit Romario Shepherd for a six and four to complete the chase at Eden Gardens.

"Handling the final overs well in both innings gave us the edge," India's batting great Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.

"Sanju Samson's calm presence at the crease was wonderful to watch. That kind of presence lifts a side. Brilliant effort from everyone. On to the semi-finals!"

Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif said: "Sanju Samson the man for India in a do-or-die game. Focus is never on him but he proves to be the game-changer."

The 31-year-old Samson has been in and out of the Indian team and played just one group match against Namibia in the absence of opener Abhishek Sharma.

India brought back Samson in their Super Eights match against Zimbabwe to break up the all left-handed opening partnership of Abhishek and Ishan Kishan.

India's media were lavish in their praise for Samson, who saved India from a humiliating early tournament exit on home soil.

"Superman Sanju rescues India," blazed the Times of India.

India coach Gautam Gambhir called Samson "world-class".

"We all know how good a player Sanju is and it was all about backing him," Gambhir told reporters.

"Today was a day where he probably showed his true potential."

Samson, who made his debut in 2015, has played just 60 Twenty20 matches for India since.

"I always say, good things happen to good people who wait, who have a lot of patience," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav.

"It's all his hard work."

South Africa face New Zealand in the first semi-final on Wednesday in Kolkata.

The final is in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

J.Oliveira--PC