Centurion Sanju Samson starred as India beat South Africa by 61 runs in the first T20I

NEW DELHI: India defeated South Africa by 61 runs in the first T20I of the four-match series, thanks to a record-breaking innings from Sanju Samson and a confident performance from the Indian bowlers.
Chasing a target of 203, South Africa could only muster 141 in 17.5 overs in Durban as India secured a comfortable win to take a 1-0 lead.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, South Africa faced an onslaught led by Samson, whose explosive knock of 107 from 50 balls included ten massive sixes and seven fours.
His powerful innings equaled Rohit Sharma’s record for most sixes in a T20I innings by an Indian player, a milestone Rohit set against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Samson’s storming century gave India a strong foundation and despite some quick wickets, they finished their 20 overs with a competitive score of 202/8.

Abhishek Sharma (7 off 8) tried to give India a quick start but fell early to Gerald Coetzee, while captain Suryakumar Yadav (21 off 17) did his bit before being bowled out at 90/2 in the ninth over.
Tilak Varma added a quick 33 off 18 balls, helping Samson continue his aggressive attack.
Despite losing wickets towards the end, India crossed the 200-run mark and presented South Africa with a challenging target.
HOW IT HAPPENED: India vs South Africa 1st T20I Highlights
South Africa’s response was uncertain from the start. Skipper Aiden Markram fell for eight and got the better of Samson in the first over through Arshdeep Singh’s bowling.
The Indian bowlers capitalized on the early breakthrough with Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi striking at regular intervals.
Chakaravarthy dismissed key Proteas batters Heinrich Klaasen (25) and David Miller (18) while Bishnoi’s three-wicket haul dismantled the South African lower order.

With the required run rate increasing, the South African middle class struggled to find boundaries.
Gerald Coetzee offered brief resistance with 23 off 11 balls before being caught in an unfortunate defeat at the hands of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
India’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, with Bishnoi (28/3) and Chakaravarthy (25/3) taking the lead.
Samson’s record-breaking century and India’s clinical bowling ensured a comfortable win and set the tone for the rest of the series.