The Indian test team may have disappointed everyone after losing the 3-match series to New Zealand by 0-3 but India’s young T20I team has once again brought smiles on the faces of fans by crushing South Africa in the first T20I of the 4-match series.
In a dazzling display of power and precision, Sanju Samson took center stage in the first T20I between India and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. Samson’s explosive innings of 107 off just 50 balls dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack and set the tone for a dominant 61-run victory for India. His knock featuring seven fours and ten sixes was instrumental in India’s 1-0 lead in the four-match series and marked the fastest T20I century (off 47 balls) by an Indian batter against South Africa. The performance also earned Samson the distinction of becoming the first Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries.
With fluid strokeplay and immense power, Samson made the South African bowlers appear helpless. His exceptional batting helped India post a competitive total of 202/8; South African captain Aiden Markram could only acknowledge the brilliance and he had no hesitation in taking his hat off for Sanju Samson.
During the post-match presentation, Aiden Markram stated that Sanju played incredibly well and he put their bowlers under pressure and they will certainly need to come up with better plans to negate him in the future. Markram added that once Sanju is striking in that manner, it is pretty hard to stop him and one can just take his hat off to him.
Although South Africa managed a late recovery, restricting India to 40 runs in the final six overs after Samson’s dismissal in the 16th over, the target proved insurmountable. South Africa’s response fell short as they were bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs.
Winning the toss and electing to field first, South Africa could not capitalise, struggling from the outset. Markram admitted their failure to secure a strong start with the bat cost them the match. Losing three early wickets in the powerplay hindered the momentum for David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who found it difficult to accelerate.
However, South Africa did find positives in the performances of Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen, who impressed during the death overs. The duo conceded just 40 runs in the last six overs, showcasing skill and composure under pressure. Markram highlighted their efforts as a bright spot despite the loss.
India’s resounding win provides momentum as they head to Gqeberha for the second T20I on Sunday. With Samson in sublime form and the bowling unit firing on all cylinders, India will look to further assert their dominance in the series, while South Africa will aim for a stronger start and tactical adjustments to level the series.
