In a scintillating display of power-hitting, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson made history during the first T20I against South Africa in Durban on Friday (November 8). Samson achieved an extraordinary feat, scoring 107 runs off just 50 balls, smashing 10 sixes and 7 fours. He brought up his half-century in just 27 balls and completed his next 50 runs in a mere 20 balls, showing incredible aggression and timing. His sensational knock set the stage for India to post a formidable total of 202/8. Samson’s departure came when he tried to launch a second six off Nqabayomzi Peter, only to be caught by Tristan Stubbs in the deep.
India’s strong foundation with Sanju Samson’s brilliance
Samson’s blistering century was the highlight of India’s innings, but he was ably supported by Tilak Varma (33) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (21), who provided crucial contributions in the middle order. Despite Samson’s departure, India’s powerful start ensured they were in a strong position heading into the latter stages of their innings. Aiden Markram, who won the toss and chose to bowl first, handed a debut to young all-rounder Andile Simelane. However, despite the debutant’s energy, India’s attack 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, combined with smart field placements, helped the Proteas peg India back in the later stages of the innings. While Samson’s fireworks had set a daunting target, Coetzee’s efforts at the death ensured that India could not completely run away with the game. Nevertheless, the foundation laid by Samson and the middle order provided India with enough momentum to challenge South Africa’s batting in the chase.
Also WATCH: Abhishek Sharma falls to a stunning backward catch by Aiden Markram in the 1st T20I
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sanju Samson goes back-to-back 💯💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/uJLbffcLZ7
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 8, 2024
Samson’s show in full bloom!
Sanju Samson becomes the first 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
Special player. Special talent. There is a reason he should be in your T20 team everyday. So happy that it is all coming together for #SanjuSamson. You get landmarks when you don’t play for them. #Back2BackT20Centuries.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson, take a bow! Back-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 better sight, and result seeing Sanju Samson bat the way he has been of late. Maybe he competes with Pant for ‘keepers slot in T20s but if he’s given the confidence his impact as a batsman is multifold; not just T20s, Sanju is a fine ODI batsman as well #IndvsSA #T20
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 8, 2024
Back to back T20 international 💯 for the talented Sanju Samson. Never ever his skills can be questioned. If he can work on his consistency he can kill many opposition bowling all of his own.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson has such a style that you wanna watch him play every time he bats.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 8, 2024
No Sanju Samson fan will pass without liking this tweet .
Another back to back T20Is 💯 for Sanju Samson 🔥✨#INDvsSA #SAvIND#SanjuSamson #samosa pic.twitter.com/9K9dRlaTxZ
— सिद्धार्थ कूकना (@sidkukna) November 8, 2024
100 in just 47 balls by SANJU SAMSON
– He’s on fire, what a player!#SanjuSamson #Cricket #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Esat4qFdH1— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 8, 2024
Top knock Sanju!
First ever Indian to make back to back tons in T20Is!
Talk about making your chances at the top order count 👏 https://t.co/tikxxmpbIk
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 8, 2024
Brilliant knock, Sanju. Back to back hundreds is a great achievement. 🙌
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) November 8, 2024
Samson breaks records with his masterful century
Samson’s 107-run knock set multiple records, including the highest individual score by an Indian batter in Men’s T20Is against South Africa, surpassing Rohit Sharma‘s previous record of 106 runs set in 2015. Additionally, his knock stands as the highest score by an Indian batter on South African soil in Men’s T20Is, a record that was held by Suryakumar after his 100 runs in December 2023. Samson’s 107 also becomes the fourth-highest score by any batter in Men’s T20Is against South Africa, trailing behind Babar Azam (122), Johnson Charles (118) and Chris Gayle (117).
Samson achieved yet another significant milestone, becoming the joint seventh-fastest Indian to reach 7000 runs in T20s. With his 7000th run coming in his 269th innings, he joined Robin Uthappa in this exclusive club. This achievement further showcases his consistency and longevity in the T20 format, with Samson continuing to build on his impressive career statistics. As one of the fastest Indian batters to reach this landmark, his ability to deliver in the shortest format of the game makes him an integral part of India’s T20 squad.
Samson’s exceptional knock in the first T20I against South Africa has not only propelled India to a commanding total but has also established him as one of the leading T20I batters in world cricket. His record-breaking performances are a testament to his skill, consistency, and ability to rise to the occasion in big matches.
Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures in the South Africa vs India T20I series ft. Kuldeep Yadav
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