Advertisment
South Africa vs India 2023-24 Cricket

'Samson bhai ke aage koi bol sakta hai kya' - Fans react as Sanju Samson hits maiden international ton against South Africa in series decider

Although Samson's talent has been praised by all, he has always faced criticism for his lack of consistency and ability to score big.

author-image
Mathew K
New Update
Sanju Samson in SA vs IND 3rd ODI (Source: Twitter)

Sanju Samson in SA vs IND 3rd ODI (Source: Twitter)

Sanju Samson played one of the best innings of his international cricket career in the third ODI against South Africa. The right-hander registered his highest score in the 50-over format and went on to smash his maiden international century. After being asked to bat first at Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday, the visitors were in deep trouble, but his sensible knock under pressure got India back on track.

Advertisment

Rajat Patidar got off to a cracking start but failed to maintain the tempo and eventually fell in the fifth over. Sai Sudarshan was not in good touch and was trapped in front of the stumps by Beuran Hendricks in the eighth over. With Samson promoted up the order and Kl Rahul joining him at the crease, the Men in Blue performed well. 

However, the hosts got the upper hand when the skipper was sent back in the 19th over. Sanju decided to put aside his desire for big shots and instead went for singles and doubles. He kept ticking the scoreboard while Tilak Varma, on the other, end took his time to settle down. Sent in to bat at Virat Kohli's No. 3 position, the Kerala-born cricketer took on the responsibility of the anchor. 

Samson and Varma built the innings when India were three wickets down for 101 runs. The Rajasthan Royals skipper reached the three-figure mark off 110 balls in the 44th over of India’s innings. His previous best in the format was an unbeaten 86 against the same side in Lucknow last year. 

Advertisment

Although Samson's talent has been praised by all, he has always faced criticism for his lack of consistency and ability to score big. This innings will give him the boost he needs going forward and help shut up his critics. He was eventually dismissed for 108 in the 46th over by Lizaad Williams. 

Here's how fans reacted to Sanju Samson's maiden century against South Africa:

Advertisment

 

India featured South Africa Sanju Samson