12 October,2024 10:02 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondent
Sanju Samson (Pic: AFP)
India on Saturday posted the highest T20 International total by a Test-playing nation, and second best overall, when they piled up 297-6 against Bangladesh with opener Sanju Samson cracking a blistering century in the IND vs BAN 3rd T20I.
The hosts went past Afghanistan's 278-3 against Ireland in 2019. The Indian total is the second highest in the format after Nepal's 314-3 against Mongolia at last year's Asian Games in China.
Also Read: Emotional Sanju Samson relishes milestone with special celebration
Samson hit 111 of 47 balls, his first T20 international ton, studded with 11 fours and eight sixes after India elected to bat in their bid to sweep the three-match series in Hyderabad.
ALSO READ
Sanju Samson left out of Kerala's squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy
"Unbelievable Feeling": Tilak Varma on scoring two centuries in South Africa
"Completely outplayed in all three aspects of the game": Aiden Markram
India beat SA by 135 runs in 4th T20I, clinch series 3-1
Samson and Varma leave South Africa in tatters with brutal centuries
Samson, a wicketkeeper-batsman, hammered leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for five straight sixes in an over en route to his ton in 40 balls. He put on 173 runs for the second wicket with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who hit 75 off 35 balls but his knock was overshadowed by his partner's blitz and the mammoth total.
Samson finally fell to Mustafizur Rahman and walked back to a standing ovation by the weekend crowd. Suryakumar fell in the next over by Mahmudullah Riyad, who is playing his last T20 for Bangladesh after he announced his retirement from the format ahead of the second match. But there was more punishment in store for Bangladesh as new batters Hardik Pandya, who struck 47 off 18 balls and Riyan Parag, who made a 13-ball 34, kept up the charge with regular boundaries.
Najmul Hossain Shanto's Bangladesh, who lost the earlier Test series 2-0, play for pride as they hunt for their first win on the tour.
IND vs BAN 3rd T20I: Brief Scores
India 297 for 6 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 111, Suryakumar Yadav 75, Riyan Parag 34, Hardik Pandya 47; Tanzin Hasan Sakib 3/66) vs Bangladesh.
(With inputs from agencies)