South Africa vs India 1st T20 Durban | Sanju Samson 107 vs South Africa T20 | SA vs IND T20 Live

The first T20I between South Africa and India at Kingsmead, Durban, kicked off the series with a riveting start. South Africa, opting to bowl after winning the toss, faced a fierce batting display from India’s lineup, particularly Sanju Samson, who delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring an unbeaten 107 off 50 balls. Samson's innings was pivotal in leading India to a challenging total of 202/8 in 20 overs.

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Samson's Historic Century Dominates the Show

Sanju Samson’s knock of 107* was not only a personal triumph but also etched his name in the record books. His century, the highest T20I score in matches between India and South Africa, surpassed David Miller's previous record of 106* set in Guwahati in 2022. Displaying confidence and skill, Samson’s innings featured ten fours and seven sixes, thrilling fans and putting the South African bowlers under significant pressure.

Samson’s knock was also marked by his adept handling of spin, scoring 58 off 27 balls against the South African spinners. This achievement puts him among the top Indian batsmen to score the most runs against spin in a T20I innings. This powerful performance, coming after his earlier T20I century, places Samson alongside elite players like Gustav McKeon, Rilee Rossouw, and Phil Salt, who have scored hundreds in consecutive T20I innings.

India’s Innings Overview: A Rollercoaster Ride

Despite India losing opener Abhishek Sharma early, Samson’s partnership with skipper Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings. Abhishek contributed a brisk 18-ball 33, which included three boundaries and two sixes, but was dismissed by Gerald Coetzee in the powerplay.

Suryakumar Yadav (21 off 17 balls) and Tilak Varma (33 off 18 balls) played their roles well, helping build momentum. However, after Samson’s dismissal in the 16th over, the middle order struggled to accelerate. Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh were unable to provide the late-innings surge, leaving India at 202/8.

South Africa's Bowling Performance: Coetzee and Jansen Shine

South African bowlers had mixed success, with Gerald Coetzee (3/37) and Marco Jansen (2/41) emerging as the most effective. Coetzee's early strikes, including the dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh, kept India in check. Jansen, who managed to dismiss both Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, also maintained pressure with his pace and accuracy.

Nqabayomzi Peter, though expensive with figures of 0/35 in three overs, picked up the prized wicket of Sanju Samson, while Maharaj contained India in the middle overs with his economical spell of 1/34.

Milestones and Records

• Most 200+ Totals in a Calendar Year: India equaled the record for the most 200+ scores in a calendar year, joining Birmingham Bears (2022) and Japan (2024) with seven such scores in 2024.

• Highest Individual T20I Score in IND vs SA: Samson’s 107* overtook David Miller’s 106* for the highest T20I individual score between India and South Africa.

• Runs Against Spin: Samson’s 58 against spin joins him with notable performances such as Abhishek Sharma’s 65 against Zimbabwe and Yuvraj Singh’s 57 against Pakistan in 2012.

Powerplay Analysis

India’s start was slightly slow, scoring 65 in the first six overs. Though they lost Abhishek Sharma early, the powerplay set a decent foundation for the middle order. Samson’s entry into the game saw a shift in gears, with India scoring rapidly until his dismissal.

With a target of 203, South Africa faces a stiff challenge on their home ground. Indian bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Avesh Khan, will be keen to defend this score and give India an early lead in the series. South Africa’s powerful batting lineup, led by captain Aiden Markram and supported by David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, will need to fire on all cylinders to chase down India’s impressive total.

The stage is set for a thrilling chase under Durban’s lights, as both teams look to make a strong start in the T20I series.