In a thrilling conclusion to the T20I series against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking performance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, October 12. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a dazzling innings, achieving a remarkable century and setting numerous records along the way. His 111-run knock, laced with blistering hits, left fans and cricket analysts alike in awe as Samson single-handedly shifted the momentum of the match.
Samson made history by becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a century in T20 internationals, a feat that underscores his growing prominence in the cricketing world. Furthermore, he now holds the distinction of being the second-fastest Indian player to reach a T20I century, achieving this milestone in just 40 deliveries. Although he just missed surpassing Rohit Sharma’s record of a 35-ball century, Samson did successfully break another of Sharma’s longstanding records.
The crowd at the stadium witnessed Samson’s explosive innings as he raced to the fastest fifty by an Indian against Bangladesh in T20Is, reaching the mark in a mere 22 balls. This feat eclipsed Rohit Sharma’s previous record of a 23-ball fifty achieved against Bangladesh in 2019. Samson maintained an aggressive approach throughout his innings, showcasing his skill and power-hitting abilities.
As he executed a calculated attack against the bowlers, Samson’s maiden T20I century was studded with an impressive array of strokes, including 8 towering sixes and 11 boundaries. One of the highlights of his innings was the assault on Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, off whom Samson smashed five consecutive sixes in a single over, leaving spectators gasping at his audacity and precision. However, his magnificent innings came to an end at 111, when he was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman.
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Supported by notable performances from his teammates, Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed with a fluid 75, and Hardik Pandya, scoring a quick-fire 47, the Indian team amassed a formidable total of 297/6 in their allotted 20 overs. This sparkling display of batting prowess secured the highest-ever total by a full-member nation in T20 international history.
The remarkable achievement of the Indian team now stands as the highest score by a full-member team in T20Is. In a list of illustrious performances, India surpasses Afghanistan’s 278/3 against Ireland in 2019, England’s 267/3 against the West Indies in 2023, Australia’s 263/3 against Sri Lanka in 2016, and Sri Lanka’s 260/6 against Kenya in 2007. Although Nepal holds the record for the highest T20I team score overall, with 314 against Mongolia during the Asian Games in 2023, India’s achievement remains a significant milestone.
Despite a momentary setback towards the end of the innings, when the Indian team lost two key wickets in the final over bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, they narrowly missed crossing the 300-run mark. Hardik Pandya, who was in fine form, fell for 47 after facing just 18 balls. Following his departure, Nitish Reddy was out for a golden duck on the next delivery. Nevertheless, Rinku Singh concluded the innings on a positive note with a powerful six, ensuring that India finished at an imposing 297.
Throughout the series, Samson’s electrifying century and the synergistic efforts of the Indian team delivered a memorable performance that will be etched in T20I history. Samson has not only set a benchmark for Indian wicketkeepers in the T20 format but also placed himself among the elite with his incredible power-hitting capabilities and composure under pressure. As India celebrates yet another cricketing triumph, Samson’s record-breaking innings serves as a reminder of the incredible batting prowess within the national squad, and promises a bright future in the shortest format of the game.
