In a stunning display of power-hitting and resilience, Sanju Samson has etched his name in the annals of T20I history by becoming the first player ever to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year.
This remarkable feat was achieved during the 4th T20I against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on November 15, 2024.
The Match That Made History
Samson started the series with a century and had a roller-coaster ride with back-to-back ducks in the next two matches. However, he returned victorious in the final game, scoring an unbeaten 109 off 56 balls, including 6 fours and 9 sixes. His partner, Tilak Varma, also played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 120 off 47 balls, making it the first time two Indian batters scored centuries in a T20I innings.
Record-Breaking Partnership
The duo’s partnership of 210 runs for the second wicket is the highest partnership for any wicket in T20I history. This incredible stand helped India post a mammoth total of 283/1, their second-highest T20I total and the highest ever by any team against South Africa.
Sanju Samson is the batter with the most international tons for India in the last 12 months 🇮🇳💯🥇 pic.twitter.com/qqzpgVOte6
— Sport360° (@Sport360) November 16, 2024
Sanju Samson’s Journey to the Top
Samson’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. After waiting nine years for his maiden T20I century, he scored three in just five innings. This achievement places him among an elite group of Indian cricketers, with only Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav scoring more than two T20I centuries.
Sanju Samson’s T20I Performances in 2024
| Match Date | Opponent | Runs | Balls | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | Bangladesh | 101* | 52 | 1 |
| November 7, 2024 | South Africa | 102* | 55 | 2 |
| November 15, 2024 | South Africa | 109* | 56 | 3 |
Tilak Varma’s Contribution
Not to be overshadowed, Tilak Varma also made headlines by scoring his second consecutive T20I century, becoming the fifth player to achieve this feat. His aggressive knock of 120 off 47 balls, with 9 fours and 10 sixes, was instrumental in India’s dominant performance.
Records Broken during IND Vs SA match in Johannesberg
- Record-Breaking Partnership: Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma set a new record for the highest partnership for any wicket in T20Is between full-member nations, scoring an unbeaten 210 runs.
- Historic Indian Pair: They became the first Indian pair to score centuries in the same T20I innings. Samson scored 109, while Varma contributed 120.
- India’s Highest Total Against South Africa: Their outstanding batting helped India achieve their highest-ever total against South Africa in T20Is, reaching an impressive 283/1.
- Samson’s Unique Achievement: Sanju Samson became the first player to score three T20I centuries within a calendar year, highlighting his exceptional form.
- Varma’s Back-to-Back Centuries: Tilak Varma joined an elite group of players by scoring consecutive T20I centuries, showcasing his consistency and skill.
Top 10 players who scored the most T20I centuries in a calendar year:
| Player | Country | Year | T20I Hundreds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | India | 2024 | 3 |
| Tilak Varma | India | 2024 | 2 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | India | 2023 | 2 |
| Phil Salt | England | 2023 | 2 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | India | 2022 | 2 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 2018 | 2 |
| Rilee Rossouw | South Africa | 2022 | 2 |
| Colin Munro | New Zealand | 2017 | 2 |
| Gustav Mckeon | France | 2022 | 2 |
| Faheem Nazir | Switzerland | 2022 | 2 |
Conclusion
Sanju Samson’s historic achievement is a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. His record-breaking innings and the partnership with Tilak Varma have set a new benchmark in T20I cricket. As fans, we can only look forward to more such thrilling performances from this dynamic duo.
Also Read: https://cricinfohub.com/players-with-back-to-back-t20i-hundreds/
