Samson matches Kohli mark with 21-ball T20I half-century

Sanju Samson reached 50 off 21 balls in the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, helping India set a new powerplay record against the visitors.

Samson’s fifty tied Virat Kohli’s mark for the fastest half-century by an Indian against West Indies in T20Is. Kohli reached the milestone in 21 balls at Wankhede in 2019. India also posted 79 for one in the powerplay, surpassing its previous best against the Caribbean side, 72 without loss.

Samson had made 11 in the series opener in Lucknow. In Ranchi he attacked from the outset, after surviving two dropped chances: first on six in the third over and again on 42 in the sixth. He reached his fifty shortly after the second reprieve with consecutive boundaries.

The milestone came off Romario Shepherd when Samson drove a full delivery through extra cover. His innings included six fours and three sixes. He added 42 for the first wicket with Abhishek Sharma, who scored 20 from 12 balls in a partnership lasting four overs.

After Sharma was dismissed, Samson continued to score alongside Ishan Kishan. West Indies captain Shai Hope had chosen to field first, expecting the damp conditions to worsen later in the evening. Gudakesh Motie replaced Forde in the visitors’ lineup.

India captain Shreyas Iyer said his side was unchanged and would adapt to conditions. India had won the series opener by eight wickets. The Ranchi match was the second in a five-game series.