South Africa vs India, 4th T20I (Nov 15, 2024):
Sanju Samson made history on Friday, November 15, becoming only the second player in men’s T20I cricket to score two centuries in a single bilateral series. Samson’s record-breaking performance came in the fourth and final T20I of the series against South Africa in Johannesburg, where he scored a blistering 107 runs off just 51 balls. This knock followed his century in the opening match of the series in Durban last week, where he scored 107 as well.
Samson’s remarkable achievement places him in an elite list alongside England’s Phil Salt, who had hit two centuries in the same series against the West Indies in December 2023.
In addition to Samson’s stellar century, India’s Tilak Varma also hit a scintillating 41-ball century in the same match, making it a memorable day for Indian cricket.
Sanju Samson: The First to Score 3 T20I Hundreds in a Calendar Year
Samson is not just content with hitting multiple centuries in a series. In 2024, he has now scored three T20I centuries, making him the first player in men’s T20I history to achieve this feat in a calendar year. This is a significant achievement, showcasing his growing dominance in the shortest format of the game.
A Match to Remember: India Post Record Total
On the day, Samson’s explosive century, combined with Varma’s blistering knock, led India to a massive total of 283/1 in their 20 overs. It was India’s second-highest T20I score, only behind their 297/4 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad.
The partnership between Samson and Varma was the highlight of the innings, with the duo putting on 210 runs for the second wicket in just 86 balls. Varma remained unbeaten on 120, while Samson also finished unbeaten on 109.
Key Highlights from the Match:
- Sanju Samson’s 107 in the 4th T20I (51 balls)
- Tilak Varma’s 120 not out (41 balls)
- India posted 283/1, their second-highest T20I total
- Samson and Varma added 210 runs in just 86 balls
- Samson’s career tally of three T20I centuries is now a record for most T20I centuries in a calendar year by any player.
Batters with Two Hundreds in a Men’s T20I Series:
- Phil Salt – West Indies vs England (2023)
- Sanju Samson – South Africa vs India (2024)
- Tilak Varma – South Africa vs India (2024)
India Dominates the Series
The match ended in a dominant fashion with India setting the stage for a convincing win, further solidifying their grip on the series. After a somewhat quiet first over, India’s power-packed batting line-up took over, with Samson and Varma putting on a clinic in the middle overs, especially targeting South Africa’s spinners.
South Africa’s bowlers had no answer to the brutal onslaught, with Gerald Coetzee and Lutho Sipamla among the major casualties.
