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India vs West Indies T20 Showdown: Virtual Quarterfinal at Eden Gardens

India faces a virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, needing a win to secure a semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup. Their path was simplified after South Africa defeated the West Indies, making India's final group game a straightforward must-win. The team rebounded from a loss to South Africa with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, powered by a return to form for Abhishek Sharma. However, questions remain about the form of spinner Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the decisive encounter.

Key Points: India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026: Head-to-Head & Preview

  • Must-win Super Eights clash for India
  • South Africa's win simplified qualification
  • India's batting firepower returns vs Zimbabwe
  • Concerns over Varun Chakravarthy's form
2 min read

India vs West Indies head-to-head record and last five matches performance

India faces West Indies in a must-win T20 World Cup Super Eights clash. Get the head-to-head record, last 5 matches, and key player analysis.

"India responded strongly by clearing the first hurdle with a commanding 72-run triumph over Zimbabwe. - Report"

Kolkata, Feb 28

India face a must-win Super Eights clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 hanging in the balance.

The qualification scenario eased considerably for the hosts after South Africa handed West Indies a heavy defeat in the Super Eights. Before that result, India's path depended not only on victories but also on achieving dominant winning margins against both Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

South Africa's win, however, reduced the equation to a straightforward requirement: victories in their remaining fixtures would be enough to secure progression. India responded strongly by clearing the first hurdle with a commanding 72-run triumph over Zimbabwe, turning their final Super Eights fixture into a virtual quarterfinal contest.

The turnaround followed a disappointing 76-run loss to South Africa, with India rediscovering their batting firepower in emphatic fashion against Zimbabwe. Invited to bat, they piled up an imposing 256, led by a blistering 30-ball 55 from Abhishek Sharma, whose return to form came as a timely boost for the team management.

However, concerns remain over the form of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has delivered consecutive underwhelming outings, leaving India with key questions to address ahead of their decisive encounter.

Head-to-head record between India and the West Indies in T20Is

Total Matches Played: 30

India Won: 19

West Indies Won: 10

Performance of both teams in their last 5 matches

India: W, W, W, L, W

West Indies: W, W, W, W, L

Squads:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel.

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Johnson Charles

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Abhishek Sharma's comeback was fantastic! That 55 off 30 balls was exactly the kind of intent we needed. But I'm really worried about Varun Chakravarthy's form. We need our mystery spinner to be effective against their big hitters.
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Aman W
Must-win match at the Eden Gardens! The atmosphere will be electric. Our batting looks solid now, but the West Indies middle order with Powell and Rutherford is dangerous. Should be a great contest.
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Sarah B
Looking at the stats, India has the historical edge, but cricket is played on the day. West Indies' last five matches show they are in great form. It will all come down to handling pressure. Exciting!
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Vikram M
Honestly, the team management needs to seriously consider playing Kuldeep Yadav instead of Varun if he's not performing. We can't afford a weak link in a virtual quarterfinal. Otherwise, the squad looks balanced. Jai Hind!
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Kriti O
So much depends on this match! The whole country will be watching. I believe in Surya's captaincy and our batting firepower. Let's get that semi-final spot! 💙

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