Sanju Samson has become the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20 internationals. The Indian team is currently on a four-match T20I series in South Africa. This tour marks their first meeting since the T20 World Cup final, which India won.
Match Details
In the first T20I match in Durban, South Africa won the toss and opted to field. The game sparked memories of the recent T20 World Cup final as both teams squared off again.
India Innings
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened the batting for India with a solid start, but Gerald Coetzee quickly broke their rhythm by dismissing Abhishek.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav came to the crease, and while he contributed briefly, he couldn’t build a lasting partnership. However, Sanju kept up the momentum, attacking the South African bowlers and reaching his half-century.
Tilak Varma joined him at the crease after Suryakumar’s dismissal, providing support as Samson continued his aggressive approach.
Samson’s masterful knock soon brought him a well-deserved century, making him the only Indian to score two consecutive T20I centuries. His innings ended at the hands of Nqabayomzi Peter, but by that point, India was well on its way to a big total. With Samson’s brilliant innings leading the charge, India posted a formidable 202/8.
South Africa Innings
Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton opened for South Africa. Markram got off to a promising start, hitting two impressive fours off Arshdeep Singh in the opening over. However, Arshdeep quickly took his revenge, dismissing Markram in the same over. Tristan Stubbs came in to bat, but couldn’t establish a solid partnership as he fell shortly after.
The Indian bowlers maintained tight lines and struck frequently, not allowing South Africa’s batters to settle. The hosts struggled to build momentum as Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi led the attack, taking three wickets each, while Avesh Khan chipped in with two and Arshdeep with one. South Africa’s innings wrapped up at a score of 141, falling 61 runs short.
With a comprehensive performance, India secured a 61-run victory. Sanju Samson’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award, recognizing his historic achievement and his crucial role in India’s win.
For his sublime century in the 1st T20I, Sanju Samson receives the Player of the Match award 👏👏
Scorecard – https://t.co/0NYhIHEpq0#TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/Y6Xgh0YKXZ
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 8, 2024