Sanju Samson scored 24 off 15 balls at a strike rate of 160 against Zimbabwe, earning applause and fist bumps from Gautam Gambhir and teammates.
Sanju Samson provided India with one of their fastest start of the T20 World Cup during the ongoing match against Zimbabwe. The wicketkeeper-batter attacked from the beginning and scored 24 from 15 balls, striking at 160.0. His knock included 1 four and 2 sixes.
However, Samson’s innings ended in the 3.4 over. Blessing Muzarabani bowled a short-of-length delivery with reduced pace. He attempted a pull but mistimed the shot. Ryan Burl ran in from deep mid-wicket and completed a catch.
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The Indian dugout responded with applause as teammates appreciated his aggressive approach. Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Sanju Samson’s intent. When he returned after his dismissal, he received fist bumps from Gambhir and several teammates. Sanju was also seen having a small chat with the coaches.
Happy faces in the dugout😊💙
— Samson Core (@Samsoncore) February 26, 2026
Teammates applaud Sanju Samson for giving the team its best start of this World Cup. At the same time, Gautam Gambhir is mentoring him on his dismissal in the same wat as the last match🧐 pic.twitter.com/KKuQl897P3
In the ongoing match, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to bowl first. India made two changes to the XI, bringing in Axar Patel and Sanju Samson for Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh.
Abhishek Sharma scored 55 off 30 balls. His aggressive start, along with Sanju Samson, gave India early control. The opening pair added 48 runs in just 22 balls. After Abhishek’s dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya steadied the innings with India three wickets down and scoring at a quick rate.
India must win this game and their next match against West Indies to secure a semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup 2026.
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