Top 5 records broken by Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson in 4th SA vs IND T20I 2024

Indian batters Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson wreaked havoc during the fourth T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first.

The Men in Blue came out all guns blazing, posting a record total of 283/1 on the board, showing no mercy whatsoever on the South African bowlers. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set the tone up front, putting up 73 runs in just 5.5 overs, getting India off to a blazing start.

Tilak Varma then joined Samson at the crease and what followed next was absolute carnage. The two batters blew the Proteas away with their fearless and aggressive approach, complementing each other throughout their phenomenal partnership.

The South African bowlers had no answers to their explosive batting as they succumbed under immense pressure. In the process of posting this monstrous total, the two batters broke several records as well, creating history in Johannesburg.

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Top 5 records broken by Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson in 4th SA vs IND T20I 2024

#5 Highest T20I total against South Africa

Courtesy of their terrific batting and record partnership, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson powered India to a humungous total of 283/1 in 20 overs. This is now the highest T20I total against South Africa by any team. The record was previously held by the West Indies, who scored 258/3 in Centurion in 2023.

Moreover, this is also the second-highest total in a T20I between two full-member nations. The highest total also involves India when they scored a record 297/6 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad earlier this year.

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#4 Sanju Samson becomes the first player to score three T20I hundreds in a calendar year

The year 2024 has been sensational for India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. The Kerala-born cricketer has always faced criticism for not making the right use of opportunities and his form and consistency on the international stage.

However, Samson has arguably been at his very best this year when it comes to T20Is. Samson remained unbeaten on 109 off just 56 deliveries in the fourth T20I against South Africa.

With this blistering hundred, he is now the first-ever batter to score three T20I hundreds in a calendar year. In the first match of this very series against South Africa in Durban, Samson slammed 107 runs off just 50 deliveries.

Earlier this year, in India's recent T20I series against Bangladesh at home, Samson powered himself to a 111-run knock that came off just 47 balls.

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#3 Highest partnership for the second wicket or below for any team in T20Is

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings for India. The duo added 73 runs before Abhishek was dismissed. However, his dismissal came as a blessing in disguise as Tilak Varma then joined Samson at the crease.

Samson and Tilak then ensured that the visitors lost no wickets and the runs kept flowing at an unreal pace. As India posted a gigantic total of 283/1, Samson and Tilak struck a record unbeaten partnership of 210 for the second wicket.

This is now the highest partnership for the second wicket or below for any team in T20I cricket.

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#2 Highest partnership for any wicket for India against South Africa in a T20I

Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma's majestic unbeaten 210-run partnership left everyone in awe of their incredible batting together. The pair complemented each other well and together took the attack to the Proteas bowlers, firing constantly from both ends.

This partnership of 210* is also the highest for any wicket for India against South Africa in a T20I encounter. It only gets better as this partnership is also the highest for any wicket for India in T20Is ever.

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#1 First instance of two batters scoring individual hundreds in a T20I between two Full Member sides

Sanju Samson slammed his second hundred of the series, remaining unbeaten on 109 off just 56 balls at a strike-rate of 194.64. His knock included six fours and nine sixes.

His partner in crime for this game, Tilak Varma was on another level, slamming an unbeaten century. He scored a scintillating 120 off just 47 balls at a whopping strike rate of 255.32.

This became the first instance where two batters scored individual hundreds in a T20I played between two full-member sides.