Sanju Samson has long been hailed as a prodigious talent, but questions about his consistency have often overshadowed his potential. However, a move to the top of the order in T20Is appears to have unlocked his best form. The Kerala star showcased his brilliance by smashing a century in the third T20I against Bangladesh, followed by another ton in the opening T20I against South Africa.
Though he registered two consecutive ducks after these stellar performances, Samson silenced critics in style by ending the series with a breathtaking century off just 51 balls in the final game. Starting cautiously, Sanju Samson took his time in the first over but unleashed his trademark aggression in the second, launching a six off Gerald Coetzee.
WATCH – Sanju Samson Smashes Six, Fan Injured By Powerful Hit During T20I Thriller In Johannesburg
Once settled, he dismantled the South African bowlers, reaching his half-century in just 28 balls. While he slightly slowed his pace approaching the century mark, his earlier fireworks ensured he crossed the milestone with an almost 200-strike rate. Samson’s blistering knock concluded unbeaten on 109 runs off 56 balls, studded with nine sixes and six fours.
𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮 𝐒𝐚𝐦-𝐓𝐨𝐧 🙌#TeamIndia‘s wonderboy brings up his 3rd T20I 💯of the year!
Catch the 4th #SAvIND T20I LIVE on #JioCinema, #Sports18, and #ColorsCineplex! ⚡🏏#JioCinemaSports #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/2bBriab9AA
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 15, 2024
Tilak Varma complemented Samson’s heroics with an equally destructive innings, smashing 120 runs off a mere 47 balls. It marked his second consecutive T20I century, making history as this game became only the third instance in T20Is—and the first between two full-member nations—where two batters scored centuries in the same match.
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Their partnership rewrote records, with a colossal 210-run stand, the highest for India in T20Is for any wicket against any team. Their combined efforts powered India to a staggering 283/1 in their allotted 20 overs, with only Abhishek Sharma’s wicket falling early at 73. Samson and Tilak’s carnage not only sealed the series but also underlined the unmatched firepower of India’s young brigade.
