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:
Well played Sanju Samson. First ODI century. Gosh I hope that there are several more to come..
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 21, 2023
Had Sanju Samson got a blazing 100 in 80 balls, you would have said well done Sanju! But that he came into bat in the 5th over & got his 100 in the 44th over & played to the team needs, seemingly against his nature, my admiration for Samson has grown considerably today!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 21, 2023
100* FOR SANJU SAMSON!pic.twitter.com/YJ30Qqq7TI
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 21, 2023
Promoted to no.3 in the series decider and he rises to the challenge with a century! Well played @IamSanjuSamson#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/NUhUoyWFEd
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 21, 2023
Superb century by #SanjuSamson on a bouncy pitch with some breathtaking shots
Nothing is more sweeter than proving your haters wrong#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/6rX4pslBc1
— Achilles (@Searching4ligh1) December 21, 2023
The first ones are always 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋!
Congratulations to Sanju Samson on achieving his Maiden International Century!#SanjuSamson #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/avp87pIkX6
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 21, 2023
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙟𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙚.
He brings up his 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗗𝗜 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Getty • #SanjuSamson #SAvIND #SAvsIND #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 21, 2023
The Maiden Century By Sanju Samson in ODIS in SA
3rd ODI andin Important Match
Great Comeback and Great Innings from Sanju
— VINEETH𓃵(@sololoveee) December 21, 2023
I'm so so emotional at the moment. @IamSanjuSamson thank you for existingand inspiring me all over the years
He stood tall over all the lobby thing played against him and said I'm here and I'm not gonna give up
— Aaradhya (@Aaradhya_2003) December 21, 2023
The century moment for Sanju Samson …!!!#SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/XlW0ToxjDO
— Haroon(@Haroon_HMM7) December 21, 2023
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