‘Valient effort’ – Twitter praises Sanju Samson as he almost wins the first ODI against South Africa

India and South Africa locked horns in the first ODI of the three-match series in Lucknow. The game was delayed for a long-time due to the wet outfield. After a long wait, the match officials decided to stage a 40-over game. The home team won the toss and elected to bowl first given the overcast conditions. They had a good start as they didn’t let the Proteas score easily.

At one stage, the visitors started steadily as openers, Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock stitched a partnership of 49 runs. The former got out on a loose delivery from Shardul Thakur. After this wicket, the Green Brigade slipped from 49/0 to 110/4. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s poor form continued as he was cleaned up by Thakur. Aiden Markram got out on a five-ball duck as he faced a beauty from Kuldeep Yadav.

De Kock (48) missed out on a half-century as he was trapped lbw by Ravi Bishnoi. At 110/4, David Miller and Heinrich Klassen stitched an unbeaten partnership of 139 runs to take the team to 249/4.

India failed to chase down the target

In reply, the Men In Blue had a poor start as they lost the openers, skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill in the first six overs. Wayne Parnell took the wicket of Dhawan while Kagiso Rabada took out Gill. Ruturaj Gaikwad struggled badly as he could only score 19 runs off 43 balls. Ishan Kishan struggled as well as he could only score 20 off 37 balls.

Shreyas Iyer, who is making a comeback, scored a brilliant 50 runs off just 37 balls including eight fours. However, he couldn’t score big something which the team needed. At 118/5, it looked like South Africa would win easily. However, the likes of Sanju Samson and Shardul Thakur weren’t willing to give up just yet. They stitched a partnership of 93 runs to bring the team close. The wickets of Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav in the 38th over made it difficult for the team to win. Sanju Samson played well but couldn’t prevent his side from losing by nine runs.

This is how Twitter reacted

Still feel Sanju Samson should have been in the reserves for World Cup. More suited for the Aus pitches @IamSanjuSamson #INDvSA

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 6, 2022

Just watched the game for the last 20 mins . Not understanding what happened , did SA bowl very well in the beginning ? Good hitting by Sanju in the end #INDvsSA

— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) October 6, 2022

Well played Sanju Samson. Hard luck for now winning the game

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 6, 2022

Not the desired result for his team. But Happy for Sanju Samson – 86 not out. Highest ODI score will give him great belief and confidence going forward.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 6, 2022

That was a valiant effort from Sanju Samson. Tough luck but a very high quality innings.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 6, 2022

https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1578071312919994368?s=20&t=mPNaXT41mLhFektZrLpAww

In an ideal world, Sanju Samson would have been one of the first names in India's T20 World Cup squad. But here he is! Trying to prove his worth, despite proving it numerous times before. #INDvSA

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) October 6, 2022

https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1578070613238824961?s=20&t=mPNaXT41mLhFektZrLpAww

With such a big support staff, analysts… Why couldn't anyone tell India's lower order that the last over will be will be bowled by Shamsi? Just get bat to ball in the 39th, give Sanju Samson a realistic chance in the last over… 6 runs less, he would've won it!

— Aritra Mukherjee (@aritram029) October 6, 2022

https://twitter.com/BeingIshanCric/status/1578062927831085056?s=20&t=mPNaXT41mLhFektZrLpAww