NEW DELHI: Team India batter Sanju Samson on Friday etched his name in the record books during the first T20I against South Africa, surpassing legendary Indian wicket-keepers MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant by recording his third 50+ score in the shortest format of the game.
With this feat, Samson has joined the likes of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, who also have three 50+ scores in T20Is as wicket-keepers for India, moving ahead of Dhoni and Pant, who have two such scores in their T20I careers.
Most 50+ Scores by Indian WK in T20Is
- 3 – Sanju Samson*
- 3 – Ishan Kishan
- 3 – KL Rahul
- 2 – Rishabh Pant
- 2 – MS Dhoni
The milestone came in Samson’s aggressive innings against South Africa, where he showed impressive power and precision.
The standout moment of his knock was when he smashed back-to-back sixes off Nqabayomzi Peter, reaching his half-century with a brilliant pull shot that sent the ball soaring in front of square.
Samson’s fifty came off just 27 balls, and his aggressive approach quickly put South Africa under pressure after they opted to bowl first.
His remarkable strike rate of over 150 demonstrated his attacking mindset, as he carved up the South African bowlers with ease.
South Africa, having won the toss, hoped to capitalize on early bowling conditions.
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However, Samson and his partner Suryakumar Yadav quickly turned things in India’s favour, building a formidable opening partnership.
Despite the early fall of Abhishek Sharma at 24, Samson and Yadav took control, accelerating India’s score and keeping a run rate of around 10 per over.