In a scintillating show of power-hitting, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson made historical past throughout the first T20I towards South Africa in Durban on Friday (November 8). Samson achieved a unprecedented feat, scoring 107 runs off simply 50 balls, smashing 10 sixes and seven fours. He introduced up his half-century in simply 27 balls and accomplished his subsequent 50 runs in a mere 20 balls, displaying unimaginable aggression and timing. His sensational knock set the stage for India to publish a formidable complete of 202/8. Samson’s departure got here when he tried to launch a second six off Nqabayomzi Peter, solely to be caught by Tristan Stubbs within the deep.
India’s sturdy basis with Sanju Samson’s brilliance
Samson’s blistering century was the spotlight of India’s innings, however he was ably supported by Tilak Varma (33) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (21), who offered essential contributions within the center order. Regardless of Samson’s departure, India’s highly effective begin ensured they had been in a powerful place heading into the latter phases of their innings. Aiden Markram, who received the toss and selected to bowl first, handed a debut to younger all-rounder Andile Simelane. Nonetheless, regardless of the debutant’s power, India’s assault proved overwhelming.
Gerald Coetzee shines for South Africa with three wickets
For South Africa, pacer Gerald Coetzee was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 37 runs. His disciplined bowling, mixed with sensible area placements, helped the Proteas peg India again within the later phases of the innings. Whereas Samson’s fireworks had set a frightening goal, Coetzee’s efforts on the demise ensured that India couldn’t fully run away with the sport. Nonetheless, the inspiration laid by Samson and the center order offered India with sufficient momentum to problem South Africa’s batting within the chase.
Additionally WATCH: Abhishek Sharma falls to a shocking backward catch by Aiden Markram within the 1st T20I
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sanju Samson goes back-to-back 💯💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/uJLbffcLZ7
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 8, 2024
Samson’s present in full bloom!
Sanju Samson turns into the primary Indian ever to rack up two consecutive T20I centuries. What a feat! 🔥#PlayBold #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/GbcZbIZDta
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson tonight. What an innings @IamSanjuSamson 👏🏻 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/cZCQepmluL
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 8, 2024
Particular participant. Particular expertise. There’s a purpose he ought to be in your T20 crew on a regular basis. So completely satisfied that it’s all coming collectively for #SanjuSamson. You get landmarks when you do not play for them. #Back2BackT20Centuries.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson, take a bow! Again-to-back T20I Centuries 🔥💙 pic.twitter.com/UFoZYbWBas
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson 💥 @IamSanjuSamson @BCCI indvssa
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 8, 2024
No higher sight, and outcome seeing Sanju Samson bat the way in which he has been of late. Perhaps he competes with Pant for ‘keepers slot in T20s but when he’s given the boldness his influence as a batsman is multifold; not simply T20s, Sanju is a high quality ODI batsman as properly #IndvsSA #T20
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 8, 2024
Again to again T20 worldwide 💯 for the proficient Sanju Samson. By no means ever his abilities might be questioned. If he can work on his consistency he can kill many opposition bowling all of his personal.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson has such a method that you simply wanna watch him play each time he bats.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 8, 2024
No Sanju Samson fan will go with out liking this tweet .
One other again to again T20Is 💯 for Sanju Samson 🔥✨#INDvsSA #SAvIND#SanjuSamson #samosa pic.twitter.com/9K9dRlaTxZ
— सिद्धार्थ कूकना (@sidkukna) November 8, 2024
100 in simply 47 balls by SANJU SAMSON
– He is on hearth, what a participant!#SanjuSamson #Cricket #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Esat4qFdH1— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 8, 2024
Prime knock Sanju!
First ever Indian to make again to again tons in T20Is!
Discuss making your probabilities on the high order depend 👏 https://t.co/tikxxmpbIk
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 8, 2024
Good knock, Sanju. Again to again a whole lot is a superb achievement. 🙌
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) November 8, 2024
Samson breaks data along with his masterful century
Samson’s 107-run knock set a number of data, together with the very best particular person rating by an Indian batter in Males’s T20Is towards South Africa, surpassing Rohit Sharma‘s earlier file of 106 runs set in 2015. Moreover, his knock stands as the very best rating by an Indian batter on South African soil in Males’s T20Is, a file that was held by Suryakumar after his 100 runs in December 2023. Samson’s 107 additionally turns into the fourth-highest rating by any batter in Males’s T20Is towards South Africa, trailing behind Babar Azam (122), Johnson Charles (118) and Chris Gayle (117).
Samson achieved yet one more vital milestone, turning into the joint seventh-fastest Indian to achieve 7000 runs in T20s. Together with his 7000th run coming in his 269th innings, he joined Robin Uthappa on this unique membership. This achievement additional showcases his consistency and longevity within the T20 format, with Samson persevering with to construct on his spectacular profession statistics. As one of many quickest Indian batters to achieve this landmark, his means to ship within the shortest format of the sport makes him an integral a part of India’s T20 squad.
Samson’s distinctive knock within the first T20I towards South Africa has not solely propelled India to a commanding complete however has additionally established him as one of many main T20I batters in world cricket. His record-breaking performances are a testomony to his ability, consistency, and talent to rise to the event in massive matches.
