Imagine stepping onto the T20 stage against a powerhouse like South Africa and slamming a hundred. Now imagine doing it twice. That’s the elite club reserved solely for two Indian batsmen—Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma—in 35 T20Is between the arch-rivals.
Sunday’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter in Ahmedabad revives memories of this batting masterclass. Samson, in his five T20Is versus South Africa post-2024, delivered twice during the November 2024 tour.
Kicking off on November 8, the Rajasthan Royals skipper opened with fireworks: 107 off 50 balls, boasting 10 massive sixes and 7 boundaries. India won by 61 runs, energized by his aggression.
Round two unfolded on November 15 in Johannesburg. Unbeaten on 109 from 56 balls—with 9 sixes and 6 fours—Samson orchestrated a 135-run rout.
Tilak Varma, across 10 matches, mirrored the feat consecutively. November 13 saw him unbeaten on 107 (56 balls, 7 sixes, 8 fours), securing an 11-run escape.
November 15 was his masterpiece: 120 not out in 47 balls, raining 10 sixes and 9 fours, resulting in India’s second 135-run thrashing.
These exploits bolster India’s superior 21-13 record (one no-result). As Proteas plot revenge, the question lingers: can they breach India’s century fortress? This matchup promises fireworks, history, and unmissable drama.