NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson answered his disappointing outing in the series opener with a blistering half-century in the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, matching Virat Kohli’s record for the joint-fastest fifty by an Indian against the Caribbean side in the format.Samson brought up his half-century in just 21 balls, equalling Kohli’s effort at the Wankhede Stadium in 2019. The wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive start also powered India to their highest powerplay score against West Indies in T20Is – 79/1, surpassing the previous mark of 72 without loss, recorded at Wankhede in 2019.After managing only 11 in the series opener in Lucknow, Samson made an emphatic statement at the JSCA International Stadium, taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers and giving India a flying start after captain Shreyas Iyer was asked to bat first.
Two reprieves, then a record-equalling fifty
Samson’s innings was as aggressive as it was fortunate. He was dropped on six in the third over and received another reprieve on 42 in the sixth, at 5.4 overs. He made the West Indies pay almost immediately, reaching his fifty two balls later with back-to-back boundaries.The landmark arrived in style in the final over of the powerplay. Facing Romario Shepherd, Samson drove a full delivery neatly through extra-cover for four to complete his 21-ball half-century. He raised his bat briefly before turning his attention back to the job at hand.His assault featured six fours and three sixes, underlining the range of his strokeplay and his intent to dominate from the outset.Samson’s response was particularly significant after his modest return in Lucknow, where India had won the opening match by eight wickets. The right-hander looked determined to make an impact early and ensure the hosts maintained their momentum in the five-match series.
Abhishek, Samson give India a flying start
Samson added 42 runs for the opening wicket with Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 20 off 12 balls in a partnership lasting four overs. After Abhishek’s departure, Samson continued to lead the scoring alongside Ishan Kishan, keeping the pressure on the West Indies attack.The explosive start came after West Indies captain Shai Hope opted to bowl first, expecting the wet conditions to worsen as the evening progressed. Hope also made one change to his side, bringing in Gudakesh Motie in place of Forde.India captain Iyer confirmed an unchanged playing XI and said his side would adapt to the conditions while maintaining its standards throughout the match.“We were looking to bowl first as well, will have to adapt quickly. We have talked about maintaining standards for 40 overs. We want to challenge ourselves to get better. We are going with the same team,” Iyer said at the toss.
