NEW DELHI: T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav on Friday commended Sanju Samson‘s character and work ethic as his second consecutive ton in the format powered India to a commanding 61-run win over South Africa in Durban.
Samson lit up the Kingsmead with a masterful ton, smashing 107 off just 50 balls.
After Samson’s aggressive knock powered India to 202 for eight, the Proteas succumbed to 141 all out inside 18 overs to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead in the series.
After the game, Surya lauded Samson’s relentless pursuit of boundaries, even when nearing his ton, saying it demonstrated his unwavering commitment to team’s cause.
“Very happy with the innings. The amount of hard work that he has put in over the last few years, doing those boring things again and again, he is reaping the fruits (now). He is putting the team first, even when he was in the 90s, he was looking to hit fours and sixes. That is what separates him,” Surya said in the post-match presentation.
India’s victory at Kingsmead extended their winning streak in Durban, a fact unbeknownst to the Indian captain. The team has now won 4 out of 6 matches at the venue with one no result and a tied game.
“Is it? I did not know about that. I just got to know now. We have not changed our brand of cricket in the last 3-4 series, very happy with the win,” Surya said
Despite the comfortable win, the match had its tense moments when David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen were at the crease. The duo, known for their destructive batting, posed a potential threat to India.
Surya’s decision to introduce Varun Chakaravarthy in the 12th over proved decisive. Varun dismissed both Miller and Klaasen in a single over, heavily tilting the game in India’s favor.
The twin-breakthrough then allowed Ravi Bishnoi to capitalize from the other end as he claimed a three-for, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup.
“I wanted to pick crucial wickets at the time, and it was important to get them (Klaasen and Miller) out. With the ground and the wind, they are dangerous and the way they (Bishnoi and Chakravarthy) delivered, it was great. Really enjoying (captaincy). The boys are making things easier (for me). The way they have been showing that fearless attitude, enjoying each other’s company, on and off the field, it makes my job very easy,” Surya said.
