In a remarkable display of power hitting and precision, Sanju Samson etched his name into the record books with a stunning century against South Africa in the first T20I at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
Sanju Samson Equals Rohit Sharma with Record-Breaking Durban T20I Ton
Samson’s blistering knock of 107 off just 50 balls not only led India to a commanding total of 202-8 but also saw him equaling several records held by Rohit Sharma, India’s prolific opener.
India, put to bat first, relied heavily on Samson’s explosive innings, which featured 10 towering sixes and a flurry of fours. His aggressive yet calculated approach to the game was on full display as he dismantled the South African bowling attack, setting a high benchmark for his teammates and future matches. T
his knock was crucial in India’s dominant performance, as they restricted South Africa to 141 in 17.5 overs, securing a comprehensive 61-run victory.
Records Broken by Sanju Samson
Highest T20I Score by an Indian Against South Africa: Samson’s 107 surpassed Rohit Sharma’s previous record of 106, scored against South Africa in Dharamsala back in 2015. This achievement places Samson among an elite group of Indian batsmen who have thrived against the Proteas.
Joint-Most Sixes by an Indian in a T20I: The 10 sixes in Samson’s innings matched Rohit Sharma’s record set against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017. This feat highlights Samson’s ability to clear the ropes with ease, showcasing his immense power and timing.
First Indian to Make Consecutive T20I Hundreds: Samson became the first Indian cricketer to score two T20I hundreds in consecutive matches. His previous century came against Bangladesh, where he scored a rapid hundred off just 40 balls. This consistency in the shortest format of the game is a testament to his evolving prowess as a T20 specialist.
Fourth Indian with Multiple T20I Centuries: With this century, Samson joined the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and KL Rahul as Indians with multiple T20I hundreds. This milestone places him in the upper echelons of T20 batting in Indian cricket.
Second Indian with Multi-Format Hundreds Against South Africa: Samson also became the second Indian, after Rohit Sharma, to score centuries against South Africa in both ODIs and T20Is. His previous ODI century against South Africa came in Paarl last December, where he scored 108 runs.
Third Indian with Multiple T20I Hundreds in a Calendar Year: Achieving multiple T20I hundreds in a single year is a rare feat. Samson now stands alongside Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, who have accomplished this in previous years, underscoring his remarkable form in 2024.
Sanju Samson’s incredible performance has not only boosted India’s chances in the series but also solidified his position as one of the most exciting talents in world cricket.
As fans and cricket pundits continue to celebrate his achievements, Samson remains focused on maintaining his form and helping India achieve greater heights in the shortest format of the game. His journey from Kerala to the pinnacle of international cricket serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the globe.
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