In the high-stakes world of T20 cricket, where boundaries flow like water and pressure mounts with every ball, a rare feat stands out. Against South Africa, only two batsmen have ever notched up a century in T20 internationals. Remarkably, both are Indian powerhouses: Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma.
As India gears up for a blockbuster Super 8 clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday for the T20 World Cup 2026, cricket fans are revisiting this incredible statistic. Across 35 T20Is between the two nations, these two players have dominated the record books.
Sanju Samson, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a nemesis for the Proteas. In a five-match T20I series in South Africa in November 2024, he unleashed his brilliance twice. Opening the innings on November 8 in Durban, Samson smashed 107 off 50 balls, peppering the bowlers with 10 sixes and 7 fours. India romped home by 61 runs, setting the tone for the series.
Just days later, on November 15 in Johannesburg, Samson went berserk again. Facing 56 balls, he bludgeoned 109 not out, including 9 sixes and 6 fours. This masterclass propelled India to a massive 135-run victory, underlining Samson’s command in crunch situations.
Tilak Varma, the young sensation, matched his teammate’s heroics with back-to-back tons in the same series. On November 13, he carved out an unbeaten 107 from 56 balls, laced with 7 sixes and 8 fours, guiding India to an 11-run thriller win.
The very next match on November 15 saw Tilak elevate his game further. In a blistering 47-ball 120 not out, featuring 10 sixes and 9 fours, he decimated the South African attack. India sealed another 135-run rout, showcasing the depth of Indian batting firepower.
Head-to-head stats tell a compelling story. India leads South Africa 21-13 in 35 T20Is, with one tie. These centuries aren’t just numbers; they symbolize India’s growing dominance in the shortest format. As the Super 8 looms, South Africa will need a plan to counter these century-makers. Will history repeat, or can the Proteas finally crack the code?