Sanju Samson expressed relief after blasting his maiden ODI ton during the series decider between India and South Africa at Paarl on Thursday (December 21).
Sanju Samson expressed feeling moved following the payoff of his diligent efforts. The 29-year-old admitted the surroundings were tough, particularly toward the end of the game.
The wicketkeeper-batter also contributed to the game plan as the Men in Blue scored 93 runs in the last 10 overs to assist the visitors record a respectable total.
Kerala batsman hit 108 off 114 balls, including three maximums and six boundaries. He also scored 116 runs alongside Tilak Varma to help the visitors comeback from a 101-3 deficit.
During the mid-match show, Samson stated:
“Feels really emotional, going through the emotions now. Very happy to achieve this. Have been putting in a lot of work physically and mentally, happy to see the results go my way now.
“They bowled really well with the new ball, and the older ball was getting slower and more difficult to bat. So after KL got out, they had the momentum where Maharaj was bowling very well.”
Sanju Samson
He added:
“But me and Tilak stuck it out and went strong at the end. We were playing an extra all-rounder today, so me and Tilak had decided that we have to go hard from the 40th over onwards.”
Sanju Samson
Days after his disappointing performance in the second ODI of his comeback following the 2023 World Cup omission, Samson scores a ton of runs. Out of 23 pitches, the right-handed batter scored 12. India’s three-match series now stands at one match after losing by eight wickets.
India post 297 thanks to Sanju Samson’s maiden ODI ton against South Africa
Sanju Samson’s century aided India’s total of 296-8 in 50 overs. Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh both had appearances with the bat.
Varma scored 52 points on 77 attempts, including one six and five boundaries, while Rinku produced 38 points on 27 attempts, including two sixes and three boundaries.
Beuran Hendricks was the standout Proteas bowler, returning with 3-63, while Nandre Burger took two wickets. Lizaad Williams, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj each grabbed a wicket.
South Africa responded by being 59-1 after nine overs, with Tony de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen at the crease. Arshdeep Singh struck first, knocking Hendricks for 19 off 24 balls, caught behind by captain and wicketkeeper KL Rahul.