In the T20 World Cup 2026, India secured its place in the semi-finals after defeating the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 97 runs off 50 balls. This win marked a significant achievement as India successfully chased down a record target of 196 runs with a five-wicket victory. The upcoming semi-final will see India face England on March 5 in Mumbai, while South Africa will play against New Zealand on March 4 in Kolkata.

The reaction from Pakistani players to India's qualification has been notable, particularly from former fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who had previously predicted that India would not make it to the semi-finals. After India's victory, Amir's prediction came under scrutiny and he faced backlash for his inaccurate forecast. In a video statement, Amir reflected on his earlier analysis and maintained that India would not reach the finals, aiming to justify his earlier comments despite the team's current success.

This incident highlights the competitive and often emotionally charged nature of cricket rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan. As the tournament progresses, the reactions from fans and former players will likely escalate, shaping the narrative surrounding the championship and the performance of both teams as they vie for the ultimate prize in cricket.