Sanju Samson first ODI century
Sanju Samson: Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop and former Indian batsman Suresh Raina hailed Indian batsman Sanju Samson’s maiden ODI century in the third ODI against South Africa in Paarl on Thursday. Helped by wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson’s maiden ODI century and Tilak Verma’s half-century, India posted 296/8 in the third ODI against South Africa in Paarl on Thursday. Bishop X (formerly on Twitter) expressed hope that Samson would score many centuries in the future. “Well played Sanju Samson. First ODI century. Oh God, I hope there are more centuries to come.” Bishop tweeted.
Raina (Suresh Raina on Sanju Samson) also praised Samson for his “extraordinary” performance. Raina tweeted, “Extraordinary performance on the field today @IamSanjuSamson! Congrats bro on your maiden ODI century, what a moment for Indian cricket. Hard work really pays off, keep shining! #INDvSA.”
Played exceptionally well on the field today @IamSanjuSamson, congratulations bro for your maiden ODI century, what a moment for Indian cricket. Hard work really does pay off, keep shining! #INDvSAhttps://t.co/oLOTAxxWyr
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 21, 2023
After Samson’s century, Mohammad Kaif (Kaif on Sanju Samson century) also called him the ‘X factor player’. Kaif tweeted, “Cricket is nothing without players who bring the X factor. #SanjuSamson.”
Cricket is nothing without players who bring the X factor. #Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/FoLVRBJCgd
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 21, 2023
Talking about the match, Proteas fielded India first. Rajat Patidar (22 off 16 balls with 3 fours and a six) had a strong start at the international level, while Sai Sudarshan (10) was disappointing after two consecutive half-centuries. Captain KL Rahul (21) also did not get off to a strong start, reducing India’s score to 101/3. Samson then shared a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Tilak Verma (52 off 75 balls with six fours and one six). Samson scored his first century and scored 108 runs off 114 balls with six fours and three sixes.
Instead of his usual aggressive attitude, he played a cautious and measured innings. Rinku Singh (38 off 27 balls, three fours and two sixes) added the finishing touches to take India to 296/8. Buren Hendricks (3/63) and Andre Berger (2/64) were South Africa’s top bowlers. Lizad Williams, Vian Mulder and Keshav Maharaj got one wicket each. In reply, the host team is 45 runs. Was out for 218 runs in 5 overs.
Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson hits first century of his ODI career against South Africa, fans shower love on social media