NEW DELHI: Team India batter Sanju Samson made an unwanted piece of history on Sunday, becoming the first Indian player to register four ducks in a calendar year in T20 internationals.
His latest dismissal came in the second T20I between India and South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
After an impressive run of back-to-back centuries, Samson’s luck turned as he was dismissed for a duck by Marco Jansen.
Facing just three balls, Samson attempted to make room for a shot but exposed his stumps, and Jansen’s perfect length around leg caught him playing the wrong line.
The ball clipped his leg stump, sending Samson back to the pavilion without scoring, much to the disappointment of the Indian camp.
Commentator Shaun Pollock aptly summed up the moment, saying, “From hero to zero,” as Samson's abrupt departure left India with an early setback.
His wicket was part of a larger collapse as India struggled to gain any momentum.
Opting to bat first, India quickly found themselves at 15/3 within the first four overs, with the top order failing to fire.
The innings never really took off after that, despite a solid effort from Axar Patel, who contributed a valuable 27 runs. He shared useful partnerships with Tilak Varma (20) and Hardik Pandya (39 not out), helping India reach a modest total of 124/6.
South Africa’s bowlers were in fine form, with Jansen leading the charge, and support from Gerald Coetzee, Andile Simelane, Aiden Markram, and Nqabayomzi Peter, each picking up a wicket.
Jansen's dismissal of Samson was a turning point, highlighting the Proteas' control over the proceedings. With the target set, South Africa were well-positioned to level the series at the innings break.
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