Samson put on an incredible show, smashing 10 sixes and seven fours to score 107 runs off just 50 balls. Thanks to his efforts, India posted a strong total of 202-8 in their innings.

That score proved to be more than enough for the win. Indian leg-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi worked together brilliantly, each taking three wickets. South Africa couldn’t handle the pressure and were bowled out for just 141.

After the game, Samson reflected on his journey in international cricket, which has spanned 10 years but hasn’t always been smooth. Despite his talent, he has struggled to secure a consistent spot in India’s white-ball teams. He mentioned that he will remain grounded after this knock.

In fact, Samson has only scored two other international centuries in the past year—108 in a one-day international against South Africa last December, and 111 in a T20 match against Bangladesh just last month. Reflecting on his performance, Samson said he felt he was “in the zone” and just wanted to keep going. His explosive innings ended when he was caught by Tristan Stubbs near the boundary while attempting another six.

India’s opening bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, set the tone early by grabbing quick wickets in South Africa’s reply. After that, Chakravarthy and Bishnoi tightened their grip with precise bowling. They kept South African big-hitters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller quiet before dismissing them within three balls as they tried to go for boundaries.

India was captained by Suryakumar Yadav, with many of the usual star players either preparing for a Test series in Australia or representing India A. Yadav praised his team for playing an attacking game and wasn’t too worried about India losing six wickets and scoring only 35 runs in the last 5.2 overs after Tilak Varma and Samson were out.

“We want to play without fear,” Yadav said confidently.

On the other side, South African captain Aiden Markram admitted that Samson’s innings put their young bowling attack under heavy pressure. He also expressed disappointment with his team’s batting, as they couldn’t get off to a strong start on what he described as a “really good wicket.”