Twitter reactions: Sanju Samson’s blistering knock goes in vain as South Africa beat India in Lucknow ODI

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South Africa started off the ODI series against India in grand style, registering a thrilling win in the opening ODI, which was reduced to 40 overs per side due to rain at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday.

After being asked to bat first, the tourists started well but were troubled eventually by Indian bowlers losing four wickets for 110 in 22.2 overs.

However, David Miller and Heinrich Klassen took charge and slammed unbeaten half-centuries to steady the ship. Miller (75 not out off 63 balls) and Klassen (74 not out off 65 balls) formed a remarkable stand of 139 runs off 106 balls to take the team’s total to 249/4 in 40 overs.

In response, the hosts were in a spot of bother, losing four wickets for just 51 in 17.4 overs. Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson then partnered to take their side out of the hot waters.

Iyer smashed a comeback half-century to put India in control, scoring 50 off 37 balls before Lungi Ngidi got rid of him. Samson, however, kept the scoreboard ticking and formed another vital stand with Shardul Thakur.

The duo added 93 runs for the sixth wicket and took India close before the visitors came back and picked up three wickets in quick succession.

The contest went down to the wire, and the equation reached India needing 30 runs in the final over. Samson tried his best but could only manage to score 20 as India fell nine runs short. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten at 86 off 63 balls with the help of nine fours and three sixes.

Here is how Twitter reacted:​

Things went right down to the wire but it's South Africa who win the first #INDvSA ODI.#TeamIndia will look to bounce back in the second ODI. ?

Scorecard https://t.co/d65WZUUDh2 pic.twitter.com/RUcF80h2Xv

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2022

? RESULT | SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 9 RUNS

Wickets at regular intervals gave the #Proteas the early momentum but India fought back. A 93-run sixth-wicket stand threatened to steal the win but our bowlers held their nerve to claim the victory#INDvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/MqRBks42TE

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 6, 2022

Top class from sanju Samson, very aggressive, very impressive, you deserve the applause!! @IamSanjuSamson

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 6, 2022

They came, they fought hard and took a 1⃣-0⃣ lead with a -run win in the 1st Mastercard #INDvSA ODI!

Raise your ?? if you #BelieveInBlue to bounce back in the next encounter.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/5l2WtMup6A

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 6, 2022

Sanju Samson in ODI format:

46(46)
12(18)
54(51)
6*(7)
43*(39)
15(13)
86*(63)

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 6, 2022

A defeat in the series opener ?

Fifties from Samson and Shreyas, and a late cameo from Shardul wasn't enough to take us over the line.#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/j0x2ocY01J

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 6, 2022

You be sleeping 90% of ODI match and then suddenly last 5 overs gives different kick.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 6, 2022

Good fight from the boys, next time we’ll make it to the other side! ?#TeamIndia ??#SaddaPunjab #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/1j2sPMhILV

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 6, 2022

Sanju Samson was exceptional tonight in a tough run chase. Surely deserves more opportunities. Can bat at any position & has all the shots

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 6, 2022

Came in at 51/4. Finished with 86* off 63. Gave the nation hope.

Proud of you, Sanju Samson. ??? pic.twitter.com/Pp0kix7PoR

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 6, 2022

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