Fri Nov 08 16:52:40 UTC 2024: ## India Sets 203-Run Target for South Africa in Series Opener; Samson Blazes Century
**Durban, South Africa:** India started their tour of South Africa with a bang, setting a formidable target of 203 runs for the hosts in the first T20 of the four-match series played at Kingsmead in Durban. The dominant display was spearheaded by a scintillating century from Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian batsman to achieve the feat against South Africa.
The reigning T20 World Champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav, looked in fine form, with Samson’s knock being the highlight of the innings. He smashed 111 runs off just 62 balls, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes in his explosive innings.
India, who won the toss and opted to bat first, lost early wickets but Samson’s blistering knock helped them recover strongly. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer significant support, resulting in India finishing on 202/8.
The South African bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Samson’s fireworks proving too much for them to handle. The second T20 will be played on Wednesday, with the South Africans hoping to bounce back and level the series.
This series marks the first encounter between the two teams since the T20 World Cup final in 2024, which India won. South Africa will be looking to avenge their final defeat, while India seeks to extend their dominance on foreign soil.
First Piper 