Indian batter Sanju Samson put on a show in the final T20I against Bangladesh at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, leaving fans and opponents in awe. Samson’s blistering knock was highlighted by his incredible feat of smashing five sixes in a single over against Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain.
In total, he reached his century in just 41 balls, including eight towering sixes and nine fours, as he tore through the Bangladeshi bowling attack on a pitch that favoured the batters. India, aiming to finish the series on a high, recorded their highest 10-over score in men’s T20I history, thanks in large part to Samson’s sensational innings.
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His 100 off 40 balls was the second-fastest century by an Indian batter in T20Is, a testament to his remarkable form and power-hitting ability. The 30-run over against legspinner Rishad Hossain was a key moment in the game, with Samson capitalizing on some loose deliveries and poor lengths to build India’s imposing total.
Sanju Samson – you beauty!🤯#IDFCFirstBankT20ITrophy #INDvBAN #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/JsJ1tPYKgD
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 12, 2024
Sanju Samson on a roll! 💥
A MAXIMUM over extra-cover off the back foot 🔥
Live – https://t.co/ldfcwtHGSC#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ZXyetT2T1U
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2024
Samson’s knock was even more significant given the pressure he faced going into the game. After a disappointing performance in the second T20I, calls were mounting for him to be dropped from the playing XI. However, the Indian team management showed faith in the wicketkeeper-batsman, and Samson emphatically repaid their trust.
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Starting the third T20I confidently, Samson took charge in the second after his partner Abhishek Sharma faced the first over. Despite two dot balls from Taskin Ahmed, he responded with four consecutive boundaries, sending the ball racing through the cover region and playing exquisite flick shots to further frustrate the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Sanju Samson’s innings was a thrilling reminder of his immense talent and ability to change the course of a game single-handedly, helping India to a dominant position in the series finale.
