Sanju Samson's blazing century in Hyderabad helped India easily defeat Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series. On Saturday, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman scored his first T20I century as India posted their highest-ever score - 297/6 - in the shortest format of the game.
Samson hammered 111 in 47 balls with 11 fours and 8 sixes to his name. On the other hand, India captain Suryakumar Yadav scored 75 off 35 balls, including five sixes and eight fours.
Together, they added 173 runs for the second wicket as India was propelled to a record score. The task was a big one for Bangladesh team and though the top order tried its best to give a good start, the required run rate was always too high. Litton Das with 42 and Towhid Hridoy with 63 helped Bangladesh put 164/7 in 20 overs.
India won the match by 133 runs and pocketed the series 3-0.
After the game, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav caught up for a candid chat where Sanju expressed his feelings.
“Basically, very happy, out of words, very emotional, very grateful to God that it has happened. Everyone has his own time,” Samson said in a video shared by the BCCI.
He acknowledged the journey to the century was long and challenging, but faith and perseverance helped him reach the moment.
“I just kept on doing my work, kept on believing in myself, and happy that you were there with me to celebrate that hundred,” Samson added.
While batting on 96, Sanju hit Bangladesh spinner Mahedi Hasan for a boundary down the line to complete his first T20I century. When asked about his mindset, the keeper-batter stated that he took the chance solely because of the mentality and atmosphere developed by the new coach and captain in recent months.
“Nothing but the atmosphere that we have created in the dressing room since Sri Lanka series. The only message is, ‘Bhai Jao… Aggressive’,” he said.
Sanju hoped to continue hitting the Bangladesh bowlers even as he approached his century. However, Suryakumar Yadav advised him to take his time and not pass up an opportunity for which he had been waiting for years.
“Aggressive and humble – the two words our captain and coach keep reminding us. That suits my nature so I think, that’s why I kept going for it. Because when I was batting on 96, I said ‘Uda ke karta hun…’ but he asked me to take some time because you have earned it,” he concluded.
Here is the video:
