Fri Nov 15 17:28:45 UTC 2024: ## Samson Makes History with Third T20I Century of the Year as India Crushes South Africa
**Johannesburg, South Africa –** Indian cricket sensation Sanju Samson etched his name in the history books Friday, becoming the first player ever to score three T20I centuries in a single calendar year. His breathtaking 109 off just 56 balls, studded with six fours and nine sixes, propelled India to a record-breaking 283/1 against South Africa in the fourth and final T20I.
Samson’s heroics were overshadowed only slightly by teammate Tilak Varma, who also slammed a century (120 not out off 47 balls), marking the first time two Indian batsmen have achieved this feat in a single T20I innings. Their record-breaking 210-run partnership for the second wicket is the highest ever for India in T20I history.
The Indian onslaught overwhelmed the South African bowling attack, leaving the Proteas bowlers seemingly helpless against a barrage of sixes – a total of 23 were smashed in the innings, 10 of which came off the medium pacers alone. Samson’s nine maximums were only one shy of Varma’s ten. Abhishek Sharma also contributed significantly to the early innings with four sixes.
This victory marks India’s highest ever T20I total overseas and the highest total ever scored by any team on South African soil. Samson’s achievement is even more remarkable considering he scored two ducks in the preceding matches. Varma also continued his excellent form with back-to-back centuries. The South African bowling attack appeared hampered by injuries, with key bowler Gerald Coetzee appearing to be carrying a niggle.
The comprehensive victory leaves India celebrating a dominant series performance and an unforgettable display of explosive batting.
First Piper 