India’s fightback after shaky start
Asked to bat first, India found themselves in a challenging position until the middle-order batters showed resilience and powered them to a decent total of 268/8 in the allotted 50 overs.
It was Samson’s exceptional innings that turned the game in India’s favour after early losses like Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan created tension. The Kerala-born cricketer’s exploit, supported by Tilak Varma‘s half-century, set the stage for Men in Blue’s competitive target for the South African team.
Sanju Samson hammers his maiden international century
In the process of staging a remarkable comeback for India, Samson also notched up his maiden international as he scored an impressive 108 runs off 114 balls, becoming the hero of the day. Tilak’s contribution of 52 runs in 77 balls and Rinku Singh‘s quick 38 off 27 balls further strengthened India’s position. Beuran Hendricks emerged as the most successful bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets for 63 runs.
The social media frenzy
As Samson reached his maiden international century, Twitter witnessed an explosion of joy and celebration. Fans, both in India and around the world, poured out their emotions with congratulatory messages and words of appreciation for the talented cricketer.
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The controversial journey of Samson
It’s worth noting that Samson’s journey to this milestone was not without its fair share of controversies. Over the years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) overlooked him, and his inclusion in the national team was inconsistent. The debate surrounding his selection and opportunities in the playing XI had been a long-standing issue among cricket enthusiasts.
Twitter erupts as Samson announces himself on international stage
The South Africa tour became a turning point for Samson as he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, silencing critics and proving his mettle on the international stage. His spectacular century in the series decider not only secured a win for India but also marked a personal triumph for the talented batters and garnered huge praise from fans and experts alike.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
The first ones are always ???????!
Congratulations to Sanju Samson on achieving his Maiden International Century! ?? #SanjuSamson #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/avp87pIkX6
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 21, 2023
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