India wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson is currently in the form of his life. He smashed his second consecutive century during his last outing in India vs South Africa first T20I at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. Samson smashed 10 sixes and seven fours to complete the 100-run mark. The ton was his second consecutive century in the format after he scored 111 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last month.
After Samson became the first Indian batter to score consecutive hundreds in the format, the 29-year-old recalled what former head coach Ravi Shastri had told him ahead of the final T20I against Bangladesh.
"I remember him talking to me just before the Bangladesh game in Hyderabad. He was like Sanjooo...you just need that one big hundred. I am telling you and you'll be fine. So, I think we are happy that it happened and I am very very happy for everyone's wishes," Samson said in a video posted by BCCI on X.
After Sanju Samson’s brilliant century, spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi played a key role in India's victory, taking control of the game as South Africa were bowled out for just 141 in their pursuit of 203.
Both Varun and Ravi claimed three wickets each, spinning a tight web around the Proteas' batters. Samson praised his spinners, acknowledging that their disciplined and effective spells were crucial in securing the win for India.
"The plan was to score maximum runs in the first innings, knowing they (Proteas) have a really good batting line-up and chasing will be easier here. Ravi Bishnoi and Chakaravarthy (Varun) made it very very tough for them in the middle overs. I think that's where we won the game," Samson added.
India now have a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The second T20I will be played in St George's Park in Gqeberha on November 10.
