India-Bangladesh T20i Series: Samson hammers maiden ton as records tumble

Sanju Samson’s ebullient maiden T20 International hundred dotted India’s resounding 133-run victory and 3-0 series sweep over a listless Bangladesh here on Saturday.

Once India broomed away records like rotten twigs while posting 297/6 after electing to bat, it was always a case of the eventual margin of win and Bangladesh never really offered a meaningful fight, ending up at 164/7 in the third and final T20I. Pacer Mayank Yadav (2/32) and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (3/30) led the hosts’ bowling effort.

Samson (111, 47 balls, 11x4, 8x6), who hammered the second fastest T20I century by an Indian after Rohit Sharma (35 balls), and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (75, 35 balls, 8x4, 5x6), biffed 173 runs during an electrifying second-wicket stand, propelling the hosts past several records.

The total was second in the all-time list of the highest T20I team totals behind Nepal’s 314 and ahead of Afghanistan’s 278/3.

They were purely amazing stats even taking into account a barren pitch and a quick outfield. But beyond that cold realm of numbers, Samson’s innings was touched by his esoteric genius, the ingredient that makes him compelling and frustrating in equal measure.

But the Kerala right-hander chose to display his captivating side on the field on a clement Hyderabad night and Bangladesh withered quickly. Samson needed a big effort after lukewarm outings in the first two matches in Gwalior and New Delhi and, oh boy, did he make it count here! Samson’s brand-new purpose found an immediate on-field expression as he pummeled pacer Taskin Ahmed for four consecutive fours — two cover drives and as many flicks — in the second over of the innings.

It was the perfect teaser for the blockbuster action that unfolded in the next 10.3 overs. The rapid start also helped India move past the early dismissal of opener Abhishek Sharma (4), falling to a poorly-timed pull off slinger quick Tanzim Hasan.

Suryakumar was a mere spectator once Samson slipped into top gear with an array of mind-spinning shots. That could be the biggest tribute for the 29-year-old’s knock. It is quite tough to put Suryakumar to shade in T20Is but Samson did that with a knock of rare brilliance as India raced to 82/1 in powerplay and 152/1 after 10 overs.

“I am very happy that they teammates are happy I did well. It can get frustrating knowing what you can do out there, and I have also felt I can do much better,” he said.

“But, with playing so many games I know how do deal with pressure and my failures because I have failed a lot. Focus was on the process and knowing you will do well. Playing for your country, that pressure was there, but I wanted to perform. But I still kept it basic and wanted to take it one ball at a time.”

Samson said he has got the full backing of the team leadership. “The leadership tells me they back me no matter what... not just in words but in actions also. Last series I got two ducks and went back to Kerala thinking what will happen, but I’m here,” he said.

Brief scores: India: 297/6 in 20 overs (Samson 111, Suryakumar 75, Hardik 47; Tanzin 3/66); Bangladesh: 164/7 in 20 overs (Towhid 63*; Bishnoi 3/30).