Twitter Reaction
Netizens Praise Sanju Samson’s Consistency After Blazing 67 Against New Zealand
By CricShots - Oct 22, 2026 4:28 pm
Views 21

India opener Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking performance in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, scoring 67 runs off just 33 deliveries. His explosive innings gave India a flying start in their daunting chase of 226 runs and earned him widespread praise from fans on social media. Admirers even gave him the nickname ‘Sanju Consistent Samson’ in recognition of his impressive run of form.

Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson smashed a dominating fifty

India needed an aggressive opening partnership to stay on course in the challenging run chase, and Samson responded brilliantly alongside Abhishek Sharma. The right-handed batter took on New Zealand’s pace attack from the beginning, finding the boundary against Matt Henry in the opening over before launching an assault on Lockie Ferguson.

Samson collected 22 runs in the third over, smashing two fours and a towering six to put the hosts under immediate pressure. He continued his attacking approach against Michael Bracewell, reaching his half-century in just 23 balls with a boundary and a maximum.

WATCH – Abhishek Sharma Creates T20I Record With First-Ball Six Against New Zealand

The 31-year-old finished his innings with eight fours and four sixes, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 203.03. His aggressive batting helped India race past 80 runs within the first five overs and reach 93 without losing a wicket before Abhishek Sharma departed for 29.

Samson’s innings came to an end in the ninth over when he chopped an attempted shot back onto his off-stump against New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner. The dismissal gave the hosts a crucial breakthrough after India’s openers had dominated the powerplay.

Despite his departure, Samson strengthened his impressive record in T20I cricket. His 67-run knock marked his eighth fifty-plus score in the format in 2026, placing him alongside Ishan Kishan for the second-most such scores by an Indian batter in a calendar year.

WATCH – Arshdeep Singh Showcases Brilliant Football Skills To Run Out Bevon Jacobs

Samson’s attacking display attracted appreciation from fans and former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan and Kevin Pietersen, who reacted to his performance on social media. New Zealand fought back through Santner and Bracewell, whose wickets slowed India’s momentum. However, captain Shreyas Iyer kept the chase alive with a timely unbeaten contribution as India approached the final overs, needing a strong finish to reach the 226-run target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags 67 RunsconsistencyIndia vs. New ZealandnetizensSanju Samson