Hyderabad : Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson delivered another breathtaking batting performance against the West Indies, smashing 56 runs from just 23 deliveries in the fourth T20 International on Wednesday, October 14.
Despite Samson’s explosive innings, India suffered a 24-run defeat as the West Indies successfully defended their massive total of 247/3.
The victory helped the Caribbean side level the five-match T20I series at 2-2.
Sanju Samson Sets Hyderabad Ablaze With Explosive Batting
Chasing a daunting target of 248 runs, India needed an aggressive start.
Samson responded with fearless strokeplay, attacking the West Indies bowling attack from the opening overs.
The Kerala-born batter scored 56 runs from just 23 balls at an extraordinary strike rate of 243.48.
His aggressive approach briefly gave India hope of pulling off a remarkable run chase.
However, Samson’s innings ended in the fifth over when West Indies pacer Keemo Paul dismissed him.
The wicket proved crucial as India subsequently struggled to maintain the momentum established by Samson.
Samson Reaches 100 T20 International Sixes
Beyond his impressive half-century, Samson achieved another significant career milestone.
The Indian batter reached 100 sixes in T20 International cricket, highlighting his reputation as one of India’s most aggressive white-ball batters.
His ability to attack bowlers during the powerplay remains one of his greatest strengths.
The milestone added another achievement to Samson’s international career despite India’s disappointing result.
Shai Hope’s Century Powers West Indies to 247/3
Earlier, West Indies produced a dominant batting display after taking first strike.
Captain Shai Hope played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 102 runs from 50 deliveries.
Sherfane Rutherford provided valuable support with an unbeaten 49 from 26 balls.
Their contributions helped the visitors post an imposing 247/3 in 20 overs.
India began the chase aggressively through Samson but failed to sustain the required scoring rate after his dismissal.
Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 41 runs, while Keemo Paul emerged as the standout bowler for the West Indies with five wickets.
The Caribbean side eventually secured a convincing 24-run victory.
Samson Continues His Impressive Batting Form
Samson’s latest innings follows his outstanding performance in the second T20I against the West Indies.
In that encounter, he smashed 82 runs from 41 deliveries, including nine boundaries and four sixes.
Although he managed only three runs in the third match, his explosive half-century in Hyderabad demonstrated his ability to recover quickly from setbacks.
His performances have once again highlighted his potential to provide India with rapid starts in the shortest format.
India Lose, but Samson Makes a Strong Statement
Although India could not complete the challenging run chase, Samson emerged as one of the most impressive performers of the evening.
His fearless batting, rapid scoring and ability to dominate during the powerplay demonstrated why he remains a valuable option in India’s T20 setup.
However, converting aggressive starts into longer innings will be important for Samson in future high-pressure matches.
With 56 runs from 23 balls, a strike rate of 243.48 and the milestone of 100 T20I sixes, Sanju Samson delivered a memorable individual performance despite India’s defeat.
