Sanju Samson’s dazzling century guided India to a 61-run victory over South Africa in the first match of their four-game T20 series in Durban on Friday.
After being asked to bat, India posted a formidable 202/8 in their 20 overs, with Samson playing a star role, scoring 107 off just 50 balls. The total proved more than enough as India restricted South Africa to 141 all out in 17.5 overs, securing a comprehensive win.
Samson’s explosive innings included 10 sixes and 7 fours, propelling India’s total at a rapid strike rate of 214. His dynamic performance accounted for more than half of India’s total score.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson’s work ethic, saying, “The amount of hard work he’s put in over the years is now paying off. He has been putting the team first, always looking to score even when in the 90s, and that’s what sets him apart.”
At 167/2 in the 15th over, India looked set for a total much higher than 200, but the innings faltered in the final overs, adding just 35 runs in the last 32 balls as they lost six wickets. South African seamers Marco Jansen (1-24 from 4 overs) and Gerald Coetzee (3-37) were the standout bowlers for the hosts.
In response, South Africa’s chase was hampered by India’s leg-spin duo. Varun Chakravarthy (3-25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3-28) stifled the home side’s batting, with Chakravarthy taking key wickets of Heinrich Klaasen (25) and David Miller (18).
South Africa captain Aiden Markram acknowledged Samson’s brilliance, saying, “Sanju played incredibly well and put our bowlers under immense pressure. When someone is striking like that, it’s hard to stop him, and you have to give credit where it’s due.”
With a dominant all-round performance, India took a commanding 1-0 lead in the series.
