Sat Nov 09 19:58:00 UTC 2024: ## Sanju Samson Blazes to Century, India Dominate South Africa in T20 Series Opener
**Durban, South Africa:** Sanju Samson became the first Indian batter to score back-to-back centuries in T20 Internationals as India secured a convincing 61-run victory over South Africa in the first T20 of the four-match series played at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.
Samson, who struck a magnificent 107 off just 50 balls, propelled India to a formidable 202/8 in their allotted 20 overs. His innings, studded with 10 sixes and 7 boundaries, proved decisive, effectively setting the platform for a comfortable Indian victory.
The South African chase faltered early, with skipper Aiden Markram falling in the opening over, and despite a brief fightback led by Heinrich Klaasen (25) and David Miller (18), the Proteas were never truly in contention. The Indian spinners, particularly Varun Chakravarthy (3/25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3/28), kept the South African run chase firmly in check, eventually bowling them out for 141 in 17.5 overs.
This dominant performance by India, the world’s number one T20 side, was a testament to their strength across all departments. While Samson’s heroics stole the headlines, India’s bowlers displayed impressive control, ensuring South Africa were always struggling to keep pace.
The second match of the series is scheduled to take place at St George’s Park in Gqebera on Sunday, with the four-match series concluding on November 15th.
First Piper 