Sanju Samson crafted a measured maiden ODI hundred as India set a challenging total of 296 for eight against South Africa in the series-deciding third match held here on Thursday.
Samson, scoring 108 runs from 114 deliveries, found a reliable partner in the composed Tilak Varma, who secured his inaugural ODI fifty (52 runs off 77 balls). Together, they accumulated a valuable 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket, positioning India favourably to claim the series.
Their union occurred when India were precariously placed at 101 for three after being instructed to bat first. Yet, the duo exhibited exceptional awareness of the situation.
Their collaboration was founded on pragmatism, seizing every opportunity while abstaining from risky shots.
Typically known for his aggressive hitting, Samson curbed his bold intentions for a substantial portion of his innings, focusing on singles and twos, considering the Boland Park pitch's slight complexity.
The 29-year-old revealed that this century felt like an emotional one
"Feels interesting, just going through with it. Feels an emotional one. There's been a lot of work I've been putting in physically and mentally over the past year. They bowled well with the new ball, as the ball got older it was getting difficult to bat. But we got momentum through my partnership with Tilak. Maharaj bowled really well," Sanju Samson said after the ton.
On the other hand, Varma had a tough time gaining momentum, only managing to hit his first boundary on his 39th ball—a scrappy pull off Hendricks.
Nevertheless, the left-hander supported Samson, aiding in India's recovery.
Varma eventually got out trying to pick up the pace, mistiming a sweep off Maharaj, leading to a catch by Wiaan Mulder in the deep.
However, Samson persisted and reached his hundred, receiving applause from the dressing room as he pushed Maharaj to long-off for a single.
Rinku Singh's brief impressive performance (scoring 38 off 27 balls) helped India gain momentum towards the end of the innings.
Before India's strong comeback, the Proteas bowlers had them under pressure, claiming three wickets.
Debutant Rajat Patidar, stepping in for an injured opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, showcased excellent eye-hand coordination during his 16-ball 22.
KL Rahul contributed as he and Samson added 52 runs for the third wicket, but Rahul's attempt to pull Mulder resulted in a catch to stumper Heinrich Klaasen after the ball deflected off his thigh pads.
However, India found two resilient players in Samson and Varma, who staged an impressive recovery.
- Sanju Samson