In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, Sanju Samson orchestrated a thrilling spectacle against Bangladesh in the 3rd T20I match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on Saturday, October 12. Unleashing his full potential, Samson crafted a spellbinding century that not only solidified his standing as one of India’s finest but also left an indelible mark on T20 cricket history.
At the heart of a pulsating series finale, Samson seized the spotlight, dismantling records and setting new benchmarks with his electrifying 111-run innings. This remarkable feat saw him become the first Indian wicketkeeper to notch a century in T20Is, and he blisteringly achieved this milestone in just 40 balls. With this, he secured his place as the second-fastest Indian centurion in the T20 format, only behind Rohit Sharma’s record of a century in 35 balls.
While Rohit Sharma’s benchmark remains intact, Samson shattered another longstanding achievement held by the T20 World Cup-winning captain. Demonstrating his explosive batting prowess, Samson recorded the fastest fifty by an Indian against the Bangla Tigers in T20Is, reaching the half-century mark in a mere 22 balls. This astounding performance bested Rohit’s previous record of achieving a fifty against Bangladesh in 23 balls back in 2019.
Samson’s first-ever T20I century was a masterclass in aggressive batting. His innings were studded with an impressive 8 sixes and 11 fours, underscoring his domination on the field. A particularly memorable moment of his innings was when he took on leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, dispatching five consecutive sixes in a single over, showcasing a merciless assault on Bangladesh’s bowling line-up. His batting blitz was eventually curtailed by Mustafizur Rahman, who sent the wicketkeeper-pillar back to the pavilion with Samson on 111.
However, the fireworks didn’t end with Samson. Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a commanding 75, and Hardik Pandya, who put together a quickfire 47, propelled India to a monumental total of 297/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
. This score was not only a significant achievement in the context of the match but etched India’s name into the annals of cricket history, recording the highest total ever by a full-member team in T20 internationals.
The colossal team score of 297/6 set a new precedent, overtaking prior records and underscoring India’s formidable batting depth. Among notable high scores in T20I history, Afghanistan tallied 278/3 against Ireland in 2019, England recorded 267/3 against the West Indies in 2023, Australia amassed 263/3 against Sri Lanka in 2016, and Sri Lanka scored 260/6 against Kenya in 2007. Nonetheless, the all-time high mark remains with Nepal’s 314 against Mongolia achieved during an Asian Games match in 2023, a testament to the evolving nature of aggressive T20 play.
Despite India’s towering innings, the team fell just shy of reaching the elusive 300-run milestone. At 282/4 by the 19th over, it seemed certain they would cross the threshold, especially with a well-set Hardik Pandya still at the crease. However, two crucial wickets fell in the final over against Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s bowling. Hardik Pandya was dismissed for 47 from 18 deliveries. In the same over, Nitish Reddy was sent back for a golden duck, bringing an abrupt halt to their run by losing two wickets in quick succession. Rinku Singh, striking a final six, ensured India concluded their innings on a triumphant note at 297.
Samson’s spectacular innings, bolstered by stellar performances from teammates, highlights the dynamism that defines India’s T20 squad. His record-breaking century not only enthralled the Hyderabad spectators but also signified the potential for more exhilarating cricketing endeavors from the wicketkeeper-batsman in the future. As the teams head to their next competitions, Samson’s innings will be remembered as a lesson in batting brilliance, embellishing a historical chapter in Indian cricket.
