Sanju Samson (L) and Tilak Varma© AFP
Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma produced a sensational batting performance as the duo broke a massive world record in the fourth T20I encounter between India and South Africa on Friday. Both batters looked in brilliant form as they smashed centuries to take India to a mammoth total of 283/1 in 20 overs. They also stitched together a partnership of 210 runs for the second wicket and that was the highest ever T20I partnership for India. The 210-run stand was also the highest ever against South Africa in T20Is and the highest for the second wicket or lower of any side in the shortest format.
Partnership of 210* between Sanju and Tilak
Highest for any wicket for India
Highest for any wicket vs South Africa
Highest for second wicket or lower for any team in all T20Is
Sanju Samson's precision found its match in Tilak Varma's muscular elegance as India played with the South African bowling attack and scored an imposing 283 for 1 in the fourth and final T20 International. This is by far India's highest T20I total abroad and the highest of any country on South African soil.
Among the plethora of records that fell, the most special will be two Indian batsmen scoring centuries in the same T20I innings. Samson and Varma also achieved the highest partnership for India in T20 Internationals — 210 off just 93 balls for the second wicket.
Samson (109 not out from 56 balls), who smashed a superb century in the first game, once again defeated the Proteas in the company of Varma (120 not out from 47 balls), who has really come into his own with new-found confidence and strength. at number three.
Samson now has three T20I tons in the last five bats, which also includes two ducks, while Varma has scored back-to-back T20I tons.
Samson completed his ton in 51 balls while Varma's (41 balls) took 10 balls less.
Abhishek Sharma (36 off 18 balls) should also get his share of credit for upping the ante in the Powerplay with four huge sixes.
On a good batting track with real bounce on offer, Indian batters hit a record 23 sixes as it was possible to hit through the line just by clearing your front leg. Samson's nine maxima were one less than Varma's ten.
(With PTI inputs)
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