South Africa vs India 2023 Twitter Reactions

‘Right time right ton’ – Indian cricket fans show their love after Sanju Samson registers his first ODI century

Indians fans salute Sanju Samson after his maiden ODI century during the third ODI match versus South Africa on Thursday at the Boland Park In Paarl.

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Sarah Andrew
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Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson (Source - Twitter)

The wait was finally over for Sanju Samson and his fans as the 29-year-old scored his first ODI ton. It was a great century which came at the right time after Samson had failed to get going in the previous ODI.

KL Rahul was asked to bat first after Aiden Markram won the toss on a hot day in Paarl. The home team came in with the same team that had won the 2nd game in Gqeberha. The South Africans had chased down the 212-run target set by India with relative ease.

Ruturaj Gaikwad missed the game after injuring his finger during the 2nd game. India had a new player as Rajat Patidar became the 255th ODI player for India. Kuldeep Yadav was rested for the game as Washington Sundar was given a chance to play.

Sanju Samson’s ton powers India to a huge total – 

Put into bat first, it was Sanju Samson who helped India post a huge total on the board. The 29-year-old from Kerala scored his first-ever ODI ton for the Indian team in fine style. The landmark came in the 44th over when Keshav Maharaj was driven down the park for a single.

Even the South African players could be seen clapping as Samson got to his century. This century will remind the selectors of the class that Sanju Samson has and the talent that is still oozing to come out.  Sai Sudharsan couldn’t continue his good run of form as he was out for just 10. Nandre Burger got the big wicket of Rajat Patidar for 22 when the 30-year-old was looking dangerous.

Indian skipper KL Rahul came in and was looking good but was out after Mulder got him out for 21. Young batter Tilak Varma scored 52 runs which is his first-ever fifty in ODI cricket before falling to Keshav Maharaj. 

Sanju Samson was finally out for 108 off 114 balls with the knock including 6 fours and 3 sixes. A quick-fire 38 from Rinku Singh gave India the impetus it needed towards the back end of the innings. Team India finally ended their innings at 296 to set the home team a stiff target to win the game and the series. 

Here's how the fans reacted - 

 

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