In a dominant display, India's Sanju Samson unleashed a blistering century to secure a 61-run victory over South Africa in the opening T20 match of a four-game series at Durban's Kingsmead.

Winning the toss, South Africa elected to field, but their decision backfired as India posted a formidable total of 8-202 in their 20 overs. Samson, opening the innings, was the driving force behind India’s imposing score. His 107 off just 50 balls—blasting 10 sixes and seven fours—had fans at Kingsmead on their feet. With a strike rate of 214, Samson’s fearless innings accounted for more than half of India’s total, pushing the Proteas bowlers to their limits.

“The amount of hard work he’s put in over the years, sticking to the basics and doing the tough stuff, he’s finally reaping the rewards,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, praising Samson’s team-first mindset. “Even in the 90s, he was going for boundaries—his selflessness and power are what set him apart.”

Despite reaching 2-167 in the 15th over and looking set to surpass 220, India’s scoring momentum slowed. The Proteas bowlers, led by Marco Jansen (1-24) and Gerald Coetzee (3-37), managed to claw back, conceding only 35 runs in the final five overs while capturing six wickets. Tilak Varma’s brisk 33 was the only other notable contribution in India’s innings.

Chasing 203 was always going to be a tall order for South Africa, and India's legbreak duo, Varun Chakravarthy (3-25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3-28), ensured the Proteas never found their footing. Chakravarthy’s key dismissals of Heinrich Klaasen (25) and David Miller (18) dashed any hopes of a comeback as South Africa was bundled out for 141 in 17.5 overs.

Reflecting on the loss, South Africa captain Aiden Markram acknowledged Samson’s masterclass. “Sanju played incredibly well and put our bowlers under real pressure. When a player is striking like that, it’s incredibly tough to stop him. Hats off to him.”

The teams will meet again for the second match in Gqeberha on Sunday, where South Africa will look to even the series and stifle India's early momentum.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]