Sanju Samson produced a sensational counter-attacking knock in the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, equalling Virat Kohli's record
for the joint-fastest half-century by an Indian batter against the Caribbean side in T20 Internationals.
Samson reached his fifty in just 21 balls, matching Kohli's effort at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in 2019. The Kerala-born looked in sublime touch from the get go and his return among runs will be a massive relief.
The right-hander's innings was not without its share of fortune, as the West Indies fielders handed him two crucial reprieves. Samson was dropped on six in the third over before being given another lifeline on 42 in the sixth over. The Indian batter made the visitors pay for those missed opportunities, accelerating aggressively to bring up his half-century.
After managing just 11 runs in the series opener in Lucknow, Samson responded emphatically in Ranchi. He attacked the West Indies bowling from the outset, finding the boundary regularly and putting the visitors under pressure during the powerplay.
His explosive start also helped India register 79/1 in the first six overs, their highest powerplay total against the West Indies in T20Is, surpassing the previous mark of 72/0 recorded at Wankhede in 2019.
Samson began his innings by combining aggression with clean strokeplay, taking on both pace and spin. His fifty arrived with a boundary off Romario Shepherd, capping a remarkable passage of play after the two dropped catches.
The knock provided a timely response from Samson, who had faced scrutiny following his recent scores. By matching Kohli's milestone and powering India's early scoring surge, the Kerala batter made a strong statement in the ongoing five-match series.
India looking strong in Ranchi
India have raced to 162/4 in 14.3 overs in the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi, powered by Sanju Samson's 82 off just 41 balls.
Samson struck nine fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 213.16, continuing his explosive innings after a 21-ball fifty, but eventually departed as Shamar Joseph got his wicket.
