A five-wicket victory sent India into the semifinals — but not without debate.
India’s tense Super 8 win over West Indies at the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked controversy after former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir questioned the dismissal of Shimron Hetmyer, suggesting the turning point may have arrived far earlier than the final over.
Speaking on the Haarna Mana Hai show, Amir cast doubt over Hetmyer’s caught-behind dismissal off Jasprit Bumrah during the 12th over of the West Indies innings.
Amir questions key Hetmyer decision
West Indies had recovered from a middle-order wobble through a 76-run unbeaten partnership off just 35 balls between Rovman Powell and Jason Holder, eventually posting 196. However, the wicket of Hetmyer — who had scored 27 off 12 balls with one four and two sixes — remains the flashpoint.
Bumrah appealed confidently after Hetmyer attempted an aggressive stroke, and umpire Chris Gaffaney raised his finger. Although Hetmyer opted for a review, replays confirmed contact with the bat and the on-field decision stood. The batter walked off shaking his head, while Head Coach Darren Sammy appeared puzzled in the dugout.
Amir was unequivocal in his assessment. “I feel that Shimron Hetmyer’s wicket was very controversial. I do not think he was actually out at that moment,” he said.
While the DRS review revealed an audio spike as the ball passed the bat, there also visually appeared to be a large gap between bat and ball.
Amir then argued that the dismissal materially altered the match equation. “If he had stayed at the crease and played a little longer, West Indies could have easily scored around 220 to 230 runs. In that case, India would have been under huge pressure,” he added.
India chase sealed by Samson masterclass
India’s pursuit of 196 was anchored by Sanju Samson, whose unbeaten 97 guided the Suryakumar Yadav-led side through what had effectively become a knockout fixture. The innings secured India’s semifinal spot and rendered Amir’s earlier prediction — that India would not reach the last four — incorrect.
Addressing that prediction, Amir acknowledged Samson’s impact. “You said they have proved me wrong. Look, where credit is due, it should be given. Sanju Samson played the best innings of his life. I have seen his knocks in the IPL and other matches, but this innings – and that too in a do-or-die game, a knockout – was special,” he noted.
‘India are not playing good cricket overall’
Despite the result, Amir maintained that India’s overall performance still leaves room for concern. He pointed to fielding lapses and an over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah as structural weaknesses.
“But if I analyse it purely from a cricketing point of view, India are not playing good cricket overall. I am still telling you – just check their fielding. They dropped three to four catches and fumbled in the field. Apart from Bumrah, every other bowler is getting hit. India are playing on the strength of just one bowler,” he said.
India ultimately held their nerve to clinch a dramatic win and progress to the semifinals, where they are set to face England. Yet, as Amir’s comments illustrate, the narrative surrounding the contest extends beyond the scoreboard — and into questions of momentum, officiating and fine margins at the highest level of tournament cricket.
