The tension between India and South Africa was palpable during the national anthem before the start of the first T20I. The players were caught off guard when the anthem stopped twice, leaving them confused. Eventually, India's record-breaking performance on the field overshadowed the mishap, with Sanju Samson shining with his second consecutive T20I century. Captain Suryakumar praised Samson and the team's fearless approach for their seventh consecutive win under his leadership in the shortest format.
India vs South Africa: Anthem Glitch Overshadowed by Samson's Century
Background
India and South Africa have a long and storied cricket rivalry, with each team holding a distinct advantage in different formats. In the recently concluded three-match T20I series, India emerged victorious with a 2-1 margin, showcasing their dominance in the shortest format.
Anthem Glitch
Prior to the start of the first T20I, an unusual incident occurred during the playing of the national anthems. The anthem initially stopped abruptly, leaving the players visibly confused. After a brief delay, it resumed, but then stopped again. The players stood awkwardly on the field, unsure of how to proceed.
Indian Performance
Despite the anthem glitch, India put forth a dominant performance on the field. Sanju Samson led the charge with an unbeaten 129 off 62 deliveries, his second consecutive T20I century. His innings included 10 fours and 9 sixes, as he single-handedly propelled India to a massive total of 211/4.
The Indian bowlers then kept South Africa in check, with Deepak Chahar and Kuldeep Yadav taking two wickets each. South Africa managed just 188/6 in reply, falling short by 23 runs.
Captain's Praise
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded Samson's performance and praised the team's fearless approach. "We know he's a quality player, and he showed it again today," said Yadav. "We've been playing with a lot of freedom, and it's paying off."
FAQs
1. What caused the national anthem glitch?
The cause of the anthem glitch is still under investigation. Some speculate it may have been a technical error, while others believe it could have been an act of sabotage.
2. Who won the T20I series?
India won the three-match T20I series against South Africa 2-1.
3. Who was the leading run-scorer in the series?
Sanju Samson was the leading run-scorer in the series with 212 runs from three matches.
4. Who was the leading wicket-taker in the series?
Kuldeep Yadav was the leading wicket-taker in the series with five wickets from three matches.
5. What is the significance of the T20I series victory for India?
The series victory marks India's seventh consecutive win under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy in the shortest format, solidifying their status as one of the top T20I teams in the world.
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