Sanju Samson delivered a spectacular performance during India’s fourth T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 15, scripting his second century of the series. However, his explosive innings also had an unintended consequence when one of his towering sixes struck a fan in the crowd, leaving her in tears and requiring medical attention. The fan was treated promptly with an ice pack by the ground’s medical staff, ensuring she was stabilised.
Samson’s knock was a response to critics after he registered consecutive ducks in the second and third T20Is of the series. Redeeming himself in style, Samson dismantled the South African bowling attack, sparing no bowler. Proteas skipper Aiden Markram, attempting to manage his side’s bowling flow after Gerald Coetzee’s injury, turned to part-time bowler Tristan Stubbs after Gerald Coetzee was forced off the field. However, Stubbs faced the brunt of Samson’s firepower, including the six that led to the crowd incident.
SA vs IND, 4th T20I: Live score and updates
With his century in Johannesburg, Samson etched his name in history, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to score more than one hundred in a bilateral T20I series. He had earlier notched 107 runs in the series opener in Durban. His 51-ball century at the Wanderers Stadium was a masterclass in power-hitting and timing, captivating the packed crowd and setting the tone for a dominant Indian performance.
Samson wasn’t the only Indian batter to shine. Tilak Verma continued his remarkable form, scoring his second consecutive century in the series. The left-hander’s heroics, combined with Samson’s blistering innings, resulted in a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the third wicket. Their combined efforts powered India to an imposing 283, their highest-ever T20I total on South African soil.
