India began their South African tour with a commanding 61-run victory in the opening T20I on November 8, 2024, at the iconic Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. The win extended India’s unbeaten record at the venue, marking their fifth victory in seven T20Is played at this ground.
The match was a complete performance, with Sanju Samson’s explosive 100 leading the charge with the bat, followed by clinical bowling that saw India bowl out South Africa for just 141 in 17.5 overs. This result came on the back of a dominant T20 World Cup win over the hosts earlier this year, reaffirming India’s superiority in the shortest format.
Samson Shines with Historic Century
Sent in to bat first in overcast conditions, India posted a challenging 202/8. Sanju Samson played a scintillating knock, scoring 100 runs off just 47 balls, to set the tone for the innings. His century was a masterclass in attacking batting, featuring 7 boundaries and 10 sixes, with Samson effortlessly clearing the boundary ropes, especially through square of the wicket. The Rajasthan Royals captain became the first-ever Indian batter to score consecutive T20I hundreds and only the third batter from a Test-playing nation to achieve the feat, joining Phil Salt and Riley Russouw.
Samson’s innings dominated the middle overs, as he found his rhythm against South Africa’s spinners. He added valuable partnerships with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, guiding India towards a competitive total. Despite a collapse towards the end—losing four wickets in quick succession—India still managed to finish with a total well above 200, thanks to Samson’s explosive batting.
Clinical Bowling Performance Seals Victory
In response, South Africa never really looked in the hunt, as India’s bowlers executed a well-planned strategy. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi played key roles in choking South Africa’s middle-order, while the pace attack also kept a stranglehold on the hosts.
None of South Africa’s key batters—Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs—could build significant partnerships, with each falling cheaply before they could threaten India’s total. The Indian spinners, particularly Bishnoi and Chakravarthy, kept the run rate in check, strangling the South African chase in the middle overs.
Gerald Coetzee did try to salvage some pride for the hosts with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3/37, including key wickets in the death overs. His efforts helped South Africa recover somewhat, but the total was always beyond their reach as India’s bowlers kept the pressure on.
The Turning Point
India were well on course to post a massive total at 162/2 in the 14th over. However, the loss of two quick wickets—Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma—in the span of just 7 balls slowed India’s momentum, resulting in a loss of wickets at the back end. Despite this, South Africa’s chase never really gained any traction, and they were eventually bowled out for 141 in under 18 overs.
India’s 61-run victory in Durban highlighted their all-round strength, with Sanju Samson’s record-breaking century setting the tone, and the bowlers executing their plans perfectly. The result not only handed India a crucial early lead in the series but also continued their dominance at one of the most historic venues in T20 cricket.
