Flamboyant batter Sanju Samson opened on after scoring his first ODI century on Thursday against South Africa in the third ODI. Samson, who made his international debut in 2015, had to wait for eight years to hit the triple-figure mark for the first time. Samson played a sensible knock and played the anchor role to help India post a challenging total against South Africa on a tricky batting surface.
Samson scored 108 runs off 114 balls which included 6 fours and 3 sixes. The 29-year-old came out to bat at the number 3 spot as India made a couple of changes in their playing XI for the series decider. It was the ideal batting position for him as it’s the same as where he bats for his domestic side and IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
Samson was dismissed on 108 as he tried to up the ante as a skier off pacer Lizaad Williams was snaffled by Reeza Hendricks inside the rings.
The 29-year-old admitted that it was a special and emotional moment for him to get his first century.
“Feels really emotional, going through the emotions now. Very happy to achieve this. Have been putting in a lot of work physically and mentally, happy to see the results go my way now,” Samson told broadcasters.
He also hailed the South African bowlers who put pressure on them with both new and old balls which didn’t allow them to free their arms.
“They bowled really well with the new ball, and the older ball was getting slower and more difficult to bat. So after KL got out, they had the momentum where Maharaj was bowling very well. But me and Tilak stuck it out and went strong at the end,” he added.
Samson found a perfect sidekick in the patient Tilak Varma, who struck his first ODI fifty (52 off 77 balls), as they stitched 116 precious runs for the fourth wicket to place India in a position to win this series.
The wicketkeeper batter revealed what was their plan when he and Tilak were batting in the middle.
“We were playing an extra all rounder today, so me and Tilak had decided that we have to go hard from the 40th over onwards,” he concluded.
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