India vs South Africa: 'First ones are always special', Netizens praise Sanju Samson after scoring series-winning ton

Sanju Samson inspired Team India to a 78-run win over South Africa in the third and deciding ODI in Paarl on Thursday. Samson took his opportunity and hit a 110-ball century, his first in international cricket, to guide India to 296/8 from 50 overs after being asked to bat first.

In reply, Aiden Markram (36) and Tony de Zorzi (81) shared 65 runs between them to give the Proteas some hoping, taking them to 141/3 at one stage. However, Arshdeep Singh staged a comeback of sorts, getting the wicket of de Zorzi in the 30^th over that changed the complexion of the game.

Arshdeep would finish with figures of 4/30, as South Africa were bundled out for 218 in their run-chase. Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar took two wickets each, whereas Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel collected a wicket each.

The star of the day was Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the Indian team recently, but seems to have instilled confidence in himself with this knock. The 2027 ODI World Cup is still four years away but if Thursday was of any sign, Samson could give a tough time to others vying for a spot.

Netizens were all praise for Samson following his century against Proteas. Here are a few reactions:

Cricket is nothing without the players who bring the X factor. #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/FoLVRBJCgd

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 21, 2023

Had Sanju Samson got a blazing 100 in 80 balls, you would have said well done Sanju! But that he came into bat in the 5th over & got his 100 in the 44th over & played to the team needs, seemingly against his nature, my admiration for Samson has grown considerably today!

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 21, 2023

Sanju Samson at the batting number that is his.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 21, 2023

Sanju Samson becomes the first Kerala cricketer to score a hundred in International cricket. pic.twitter.com/gfu6cIvsRD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 21, 2023

100* FOR SANJU SAMSON! pic.twitter.com/YJ30Qqq7TI

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 21, 2023

The first ones are always ! ✨

Congratulations to Sanju Samson on achieving his Maiden International Century! #SanjuSamson #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/avp87pIkX6

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 21, 2023

If there is one person who will be as delighted as Sanju Samson himself, it is #Dravid, who always rated the young man's talent very highly..#INDvsSA #CricketTwitter #Cricket

— WV Raman (@wvraman) December 21, 2023