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In a thrilling series decider between South Africa and India at Paarl’s Boland Park, Twitter exploded with excitement as Indian batter Sanju Samson showcased his talent with a remarkable maiden international century against the Proteas. Sanju’s ton not only paved the way for India’s competitive total but also went as a statement to his critics, who had long been questioning his ability.
India’s fightback after shaky start
Asked to bat first, India found themselves in a challenging position until the middle-order batters showed resilience and powered them to a decent total of 268/8 in the allotted 50 overs.
It was Samson’s exceptional innings that turned the game in India’s favour after early losses like Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan created tension. The Kerala-born cricketer’s exploit, supported by Tilak Varma‘s half-century, set the stage for Men in Blue’s competitive target for the South African team.
Sanju Samson hammers his maiden international century
In the process of staging a remarkable comeback for India, Samson also notched up his maiden international as he scored an impressive 108 runs off 114 balls, becoming the hero of the day. Tilak’s contribution of 52 runs in 77 balls and Rinku Singh‘s quick 38 off 27 balls further strengthened India’s position. Beuran Hendricks emerged as the most successful bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets for 63 runs.
The social media frenzy
As Samson reached his maiden international century, Twitter witnessed an explosion of joy and celebration. Fans, both in India and around the world, poured out their emotions with congratulatory messages and words of appreciation for the talented cricketer.
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The controversial journey of Samson
It’s worth noting that Samson’s journey to this milestone was not without its fair share of controversies. Over the years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) overlooked him, and his inclusion in the national team was inconsistent. The debate surrounding his selection and opportunities in the playing XI had been a long-standing issue among cricket enthusiasts.
Twitter erupts as Samson announces himself on international stage
The South Africa tour became a turning point for Samson as he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, silencing critics and proving his mettle on the international stage. His spectacular century in the series decider not only secured a win for India but also marked a personal triumph for the talented batters and garnered huge praise from fans and experts alike.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Sanju Samson at the batting number that is his. ๐๐ผ๐๐ฝ
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
Well played Sanju Samson. First ODI century. Gosh I hope that there are several more to come.๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
Had Sanju Samson got a blazing 100 in 80 balls, you would have said well done Sanju! But that he came into bat in the 5th over & got his 100 in the 44th over & played to the team needs, seemingly against his nature, my admiration for Samson has grown considerably today! ๐๐๐
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar)
SAM-TON! ๐ช๐ป๐ฏ
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
100* FOR SANJU SAMSON! ๐ฎ๐ณ
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
Sanju Samson, for some reason, has never been in the inner circle of Indian team management. A perfect case of what could have been
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73)
Promoted to no.3 in the series decider and he rises to the challenge with a century! Well played ๐ช๐ฝ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
Superb century by on a bouncy pitch with some breathtaking shots๐ฅ
Nothing is more sweeter than proving your haters wrong ๐ฅ
— Achilles (@Searching4ligh1)
The first ones are always ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! โ?/p>
Congratulations to Sanju Samson on achieving his Maiden International Century! ๐ฏ๐ช
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL)
๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค๐ช๐๐, ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ช ๐๐ค๐ข๐๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ง๐๐จ๐๐ช๐.
๐ซก He brings up his ๐บ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ข๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
๐ท Getty โ? ๐ฎ๐ณ
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy)
Adipoli Chettan ๐ช๐
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
The Maiden Century By Sanju Samson in ODIS in SA
3rd ODI and ๐ฏ in Important Match
Great Comeback and Great Innings from Sanju ๐ฅโ?Love you— VINEETH๐ต๐ (@sololoveee)
I'm so so emotional at the moment. thank you for existing ๐ and inspiring me all over the years ๐
He stood tall over all the lobby thing played against him and said I'm here and I'm not gonna give up ๐ช
— เคเคฐเคพเคงเฅเคฏ (@Aaradhya_2003)
http://twitter.com/Haroon_HMM7/status/1737847126141677573
