After smashing his first ODI century against South Africa, Indian batsman Sanju Samson returned to form at Boland Park in Paarl, pulling off a “bicep celebration.”
With six boundaries and three sixes in 114 balls, the wicket-keeping batsman scored 108 runs. In the 44th over, Samson scored his first hundred runs for his country after taking a quick single off Keshav Maharaj. As his teammates and coaching staff congratulated him on reaching the milestone, he celebrated by flexing his bicep and pointing to the Indian dressing room.
In Paarl, Samson carried on his romantic relationship with South Africa. When he scored 86 runs at home against the Proteas, it was also his greatest ODI total. To help his team post 296 for 8 in the first innings, Samson eventually reached the three-figure mark while wearing the Indian jersey in his 16th ODI.
Samson forced South Africa pacer Beuran Hendricks for a quick single to deep third to reach the 50-run threshold in 66 deliveries. After India lost early wickets in Paarl, this innings was vital.
Samson entered the batting order after Rajat Patidar, a rookie who amassed 22 runs off of 16 deliveries before being removed by Nandre Burger, was removed from the game by the visitors. B Sai Sudharsan also lost his wicket shortly after Patidar was dismissed, as he was caught LBW by Hendricks.
Samson and captain KL Rahul ended India’s innings with a 51-run partnership after the two quick dismissals. Rahul made a 35-ball 21 but was unable to build on the start, walking back to the pavilion.
The game then shifted in favor of him and Tilak Varma, who put together a 116-run stand. Before being dismissed by Maharaj, Varma achieved his first ODI half-century. Samson reached his century mark before Reeza Hendricks caught him off guard.