Sat Nov 16 05:44:19 IST 2024: ## India Explodes for Record-Breaking Score Against South Africa in Johannesburg
**JOHANNESBURG –** India posted a massive total of 283/1 against South Africa in their T20 match in Johannesburg, thanks to stunning centuries from openers Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. The duo forged a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the second wicket, both surpassing the 100-run mark.
Samson smashed an unbeaten 109 off just 56 balls, studded with nine sixes and six fours, while Varma blazed to 120 from 47 deliveries, including ten sixes and nine fours. This is India’s second-highest T20 score, surpassed only by their previous highest against South Africa – a match where Samson also scored a century. This innings also marks Samson’s third century in a single calendar year, making him the first player in T20 history to achieve this feat. Furthermore, this is the first instance in an ICC full-member match where two centuries were scored in a single innings.
Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal for 36 contributed to India’s final score. Lutho Sipamla was the most expensive South African bowler, conceding 58 runs in four overs for the wicket of Sharma. Other South African bowlers, including Jansen, Coetzee, and Simile, also conceded significant runs, with Captain Markram conceding 30 runs in two overs.
The 210-run partnership between Samson and Varma featured a remarkable 23 sixes. This is Varma’s second consecutive century. The Indian team’s aggressive batting display overwhelmed the South African bowling attack throughout the innings.
First Piper 