‘Chetta is scoring 100’ – Fans elated as Sanju Samson scores his first ODI Century vs South Africa

Indian batter Sanju Samson has finally silenced his critics after scoring his 1^st ever international century for India. The innings came at a perfect time after the 29-year-old failed to score runs during the 2^nd game in Gqeberha.

India and South Africa came into the game on Thursday at the Boland Park in Paarl with the series reading 1-1. Both teams had traded 8-wicket wins in the first two games of the series. South African opener Tony De Zorzi scored an amazing century to help his side win the game.

Aiden Markram won the toss for the third time in succession and this time chose to bowl first again. Rajat Patidar made his international debut as he replaced the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad. The second change was Washington Sundar coming in for Kuldeep Yadav while the home side were unchanged.

Sanju Samson scores his maiden ODI century for India –

With the score reading 234/4 with the last ball of the 44^th over in progress, Sanju Samson was on strike. Keshav Maharaj was driven down the ground for a single as the crowd and Indian team cheered in unison.

It was a special single as Samson had scored his first-ever century for India. The celebration wasn’t over the top as the youngster just removed his helmet and had a huge smile on his face. Rajat Patidar began his India career with a bang as he scored 22 runs from 16 balls with 3 fours and a six. Nandre Burger got the wicket of Patidar to give his side the first wicket. Beuran Hendricks then dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 10 to leave the visitors at 49/2.

KL Rahul joined Sanju Samson as the pair added 52 runs for the third wicket. The Indian skipper was out for 21 when he was caught behind the wicket off Mulder. Tilak Varma and Samson then combined to add 116 for the 4^th wicket to push South Africa on the back foot.

Varma scored his first ODI fifty before he was out for 52 when he attempted to hit Maharaj out of the ground for a six as Mulder took an easy catch. Rinku Singh came and went after the bowlers to signal his intentions, but the day belonged to Samson. The timely century has proved a lot of people wrong.

Here’s how the fans reacted –

https://twitter.com/imSgarima/status/1737840654422839513

https://twitter.com/OxygenKohli18/status/1737838539411448104