Team India’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, tore into Marco Jansen from the very start in the fifth T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19. The pair smashed 19 runs in the second over, giving India an explosive start in the series decider.
Abhishek Sharma set the tone early, stepping down the pitch to the left-arm pacer and hitting three consecutive boundaries. The first two shots raced past the unoccupied third-man region, while the third, an outside edge, sailed over short third man thanks to Jansen’s extra pace and bounce.
Samson faced the last delivery of the over and timed it perfectly over long-on, sending it over the ropes for the first six of the match. Playing his first match since the third T20I against Australia, Samson showed composure and power to complement Sharma’s aggressive start.
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1000 T20I runs ✅
8000 T20 runs ✅@IamSanjuSamson crosses some big milestones in splendid style! 🤩#INDvSA 5th T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/adG06ykx8o pic.twitter.com/F8O8ZAUz19— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 19, 2025
Sanju Samson opened the batting for India for the first time since the fifth T20I against England in January. He earned a place in the playing XI after Shubman Gill was sidelined with a foot injury ahead of the abandoned fourth T20I in Lucknow.
Opening Duo Samson And Sharma Shine In IND vs SA 5th T20I
The left-right opening combination is well-acquainted, having shared the crease for nearly a year leading up to the 2025 Asia Cup. They have once again showcased their powerplay prowess, taking on the South African bowlers to give India a flying start.
As of now, India have already crossed the 50-run mark in just the fifth over. The duo has cleared the ropes 10 times, setting up the Men in Blue for a big total as they aim to wrap up the series in style.
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