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India claimed a comprehensive 61-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I of their 2024 tour at Kingsmead.
Sanju Samson’s power-packed innings
Opting to bowl first, South Africa found themselves under pressure early in the innings due to Sanju Samson’s explosive batting. Samson played an extraordinary knock, scoring 107 runs off just 50 balls, smashing 7 fours and 10 sixes. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease put South Africa’s bowlers on the back foot from the start, setting the tone for a big total.
India had a few quick dismissals in between but managed to keep the scoreboard ticking thanks to contributions from other batters. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 21 off 17 balls, while Tilak Varma added a handy 33 off 18, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. Although Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh fell cheaply, Samson’s fireworks and late contributions from the tail helped India reach a formidable 202/8.
For South Africa, Gerald Coetzee was the standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 37 runs in his four overs. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj chipped in with one wicket each, but the bowlers struggled to contain Samson’s onslaught, and the other bowlers were unable to break through consistently.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Sanju Samson smashes multiple records with his explosive century | SA vs IND, 1st T20I
South Africa falters in the chase
Chasing a steep target of 203, South Africa needed a solid start but quickly found themselves in trouble. Opener Ryan Rickelton gave a quick start with 21 off 11 balls, but once he fell, the rest of the top order struggled to establish momentum. Aiden Markram (8 off 4) and Tristan Stubbs (11 off 11) couldn’t make a substantial impact, and South Africa were soon under pressure.
Heinrich Klaasen tried to anchor the innings with a 25-run knock off 22 balls, but with wickets falling around him, it became an uphill task for the hosts. David Miller managed 18 off 22, but India’s bowlers kept applying the pressure. Lower down the order, Coetzee showed resistance with 23 off 11 balls, including three sixes, but the target proved too daunting.
India’s bowlers were clinical, with Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi leading the charge. Chakravarthy claimed 3/25 in his four overs, while Bishnoi also picked up 3 wickets for 28 runs. Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh contributed with crucial wickets, ensuring South Africa’s chase never gained momentum. Eventually, the home team got all-out for 141 in 17.5 overs, losing the match by 62 runs.
Player of the Match
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his spectacular century that set the platform for India’s victory. His aggressive batting display underscored his value to the Indian side and showed why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in the white-ball format.
Here are the reactions of fans and experts:
Sanju you beauty! Such a treat to watch that stroke play 🔥 Very well played 💯 @IamSanjuSamson #IndVSSa pic.twitter.com/Ge7uZQBzwz
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 8, 2024
Back to Back T20I hundreds for Sanju Samson! When utilized properly he ROARS! What a player! 🤞🏻#SAvIND
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) November 8, 2024
Sanjooo….. Samsonnn. Special. #SanjuSamson #SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/ru5UsrtfeX
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) November 8, 2024
Well Played Sanju Samson Treat to watch 👏👏 #INDvSA
— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) November 8, 2024
Sanju Samson tonight. What an innings @IamSanjuSamson 👏🏻 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/cZCQepmluL
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 8, 2024
Pure talent and class on display Congratulations, @IamSanjuSamson , on a brilliant 100. Keep shining! #INDvsSA #T20
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) November 8, 2024
Birthday week started well, Sanju 💯💗 pic.twitter.com/mXKf7SYDfr
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 8, 2024
India registers a dominant win over South Africa in 1st T20I
Scorecard ➡ https://t.co/tfm78FfA2c#cricket #SAvIND #T20I pic.twitter.com/BICtW19KGh
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 9, 2024
All round roar! 🥳🇮🇳
Won by 6⃣1⃣ runs! #WhistlePodu #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/q6Exxko02N— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 8, 2024
Varun Chakravarthy – 3/25 (4).
Ravi Bishnoi – 3/28 (4).– THE SPIN DUO OF TEAM INDIA. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tPYyFc6cEL
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) November 8, 2024
Ravi Bishnoi 🤝 Varun Chakravarthy
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) November 8, 2024
India beat South Africa by 61 runs in First T20 match at Durban 👍#sanju_samson scored yet another Century in T20 and awarded with a Man of the Match .#varunchakravarthy and #RaviBishnoi picked 3 wickets each to ensure India win comfortably ✌️#INDvSA #suryakumar #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/4M3KiXVrnN
— Vignesh (@Vignesh_Ajith) November 9, 2024