Sanju Samson Silences Critics with Record-Breaking 22-Ball Fifty Against Bangladesh

Sanju Samson, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has made a significant impact in the third T20I against Bangladesh, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 12, 2024. After a disappointing start to the series with scores of 29 and 10 in the first two matches, Samson was under considerable pressure to perform.

Despite the initial doubts, Samson received the backing of India‘s assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, who assured that Samson would be given another chance in the final game of the series. This trust was repaid in spectacular fashion as Samson smashed his third half-century in T20Is, achieving the milestone in just 22 balls.

Samson’s innings was marked by aggressive batting, including eight fours and two sixes. He began cautiously, scoring only three runs off his first five balls, but soon broke free by hitting four consecutive boundaries off Taskin Ahmed in the second over. He continued his assault, hitting boundaries and a six against Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain, eventually bringing up his half-century with a 4,4,6 sequence in the seventh over.

This performance not only silenced his critics but also set a new record for the fastest half-century by an Indian against Bangladesh. Samson’s partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav helped India post a joint highest powerplay score of 82/1. His impressive shots, including a maximum over covers off Mustafizur Rahman, left even former India head coach Ravi Shastri in awe.