Sanju Samson Admits Century Desire After Match-Winning 87* vs DC

While Samson has not fired consistently in the tournament, he has been a match-winner for his side whenever his bat has scored at least 20 runs. In 10 matches so far, he has made 402 runs at an average of 57.42 and a strike rate of 167.50, with two hundreds and a fifty. In wins this season, Samson has scored 362 runs in five innings at an average of 181 and a strike rate of 178.32, with two centuries and a fifty and 'Player of the Match' awards in three of these matches. In losses, he has made just 40 runs across five innings, with a strike rate of just 108.1.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Samson spoke on his sense of calm and initial movement while batting, saying, "I have been working a bit on my initial movement, and it has been coming off. I have been doing it for the last few years, and it is tactical as well, depending on the bowlers and how you want to approach them. To be very honest, I am always like this (calm), but you are seeing me more in the middle now, so you feel I am calm. Even outside, I am calm."

He said while chasing 160-odd runs, they could have capitalised in the middle-overs even after a modest powerplay.

On missing out on his third century of the season, he said, "Hundreds are always special. There was a desire, but I had to be a bit too selfish to get it; my partner was playing well and winning the game gives you more confidence, satisfaction and happiness. A few more matches to come, let us see if it comes around (on more centuries)

Coming to the match, DC opted to bat first and were reduced to 69/5. It was a 65-run stand between Tristan Stubbs (38 in 31 balls, with a four and two sixes) and Sameer Rizvi (40* in 24 balls, with four sixes) that took DC to 155/7 in 20 overs, with Akeal (1/19 in four overs) and Noor (2/22 in three overs) producing lethal spells. Later, it was Sanju (87* in 52 balls, with seven fours and six sixes) and Kartik Sharma (41* in 31 balls, with three fours and two sixes), who made the lightwork of the chase, sealing the match in just 17.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.

- ANI