Sanju Samson, captaining Rajasthan Royals for the first time, smashed a 54-ball century against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Satdium in Mumbai on Monday. Samson hit 12 boundaries and five maximums en route to his third century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It was his second 100-plus score in Rajasthan Royals jersey while the other hundred came when he was associated with Delhi Capitals, then Delhi Daredevils. Samson came in to bat when Rajasthan Royals lost the wicket of Ben Stokes for nought.
Chasing a mammoth total of 222 in 20 overs, Samson light up the Wankhede stadium with his scintillating knock. However, Samson got out in the final over as Rajasthan failed to get over the line.
Rajasthan needed five off the last delivery and Samson hit one to Deepak Hooda at covers.
Impressed by the batting masterclass Samson displayed in Mumbai, many current and former cricketers took to Twitter to applaud the wicketkeeper-batsman.
"Samson !!! Beautiful to watch !!take them home boy@IamSanjuSamson super ton ! #IPL2021 #RRvsKXIP," Yuvraj Singh wrote.
"Really happy for @IamSanjuSamson great knock. Top class #RRvPBKS," Jasprit Bumrah wrote.
Rajasthan Royals will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the same venue on April 19.