In an electrifying display of batting, Sanju Samson regained his form in spectacular fashion by scoring his maiden T20I century against Bangladesh during the third and final match of the series held in Hyderabad. Samson’s impressive knock came off just 40 balls, making him the second-fastest Indian to reach the T20I century milestone, behind only Rohit Sharma, who achieved the feat in 35 balls.
Samson’s innings was a standout performance, featuring 9 fours and 8 sixes. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls and then completed his century in the next 18 balls, showcasing his aggressive batting style. Notably, he took on Bangladeshi leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, hitting five consecutive sixes off his bowling, a highlight of the innings that energized the crowd and put India in a commanding position.
His remarkable performance not only helped India set a formidable total but also reaffirmed his potential as a crucial player in the top order. With his previous performances falling short of expectations, this innings may have solidified his place in the Indian T20I lineup.
Fastest T20I Centuries
Samson’s 40-ball century places him among the fastest century scorers in T20I history. Here’s a list of the fastest T20I centuries by players from Full-member teams:
| Player | Country | Balls Faced | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Miller | South Africa | 35 | Bangladesh | 2017 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 35 | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
| Johnson Charles | West Indies | 39 | South Africa | 2023 |
| Sanju Samson | India | 40 | Bangladesh | 2024 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | Afghanistan | 42 | Ireland | 2019 |
| Liam Livingstone | England | 42 | Pakistan | 2021 |
Samson’s explosive performance comes at a crucial time as the T20 World Cup approaches. With Rohit Sharma announcing his retirement from T20I cricket following the tournament, Samson’s resurgence is timely for India’s future T20I strategy.
Sanju Samson Surpasses Rohit Sharma’s Record for Fastest T20I Fifty Against Bangladesh
Samson’s explosive innings began cautiously, managing only three runs off his first five balls. However, he quickly found his rhythm, unleashing a flurry of boundaries against Taskin Ahmed, which included four consecutive fours in the second over. The turning point of his innings came when he took leg-spinner Rishad Hossain to task, smashing five consecutive sixes in a single over, a display that left spectators and commentators alike in awe.
The partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav further fortified India’s position, as the duo posted a joint record powerplay score of 82 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Samson’s century not only underscored his potential as a pivotal player in India’s T20I setup but also served as a reminder of his capacity to perform under duress.
In the pantheon of T20I records, Samson’s remarkable achievement places him behind only Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s David Miller, both of whom scored their hundreds in 35 balls. The current record for the fastest T20I century remains with Miller, who achieved this against Bangladesh in 2017. With this performance, Samson aims to solidify his position in the national team following a period of inconsistency, making a strong case for his selection in future international fixtures.
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