![Samson scored a blistering fifty vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792664910358_SamsonscoredablisteringfiftyvsNewZealand.jpg?type=hq)
Samson scored a blistering fifty vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]
Sanju Samson was in red-hot form heading into the New Zealand T20Is, and the Indian opener continued the momentum in the first game of the series on Thursday. Chasing a tricky 226, India needed a strong start, and Samson provided just that as he broke several records.
One expects Abhishek Sharma to be the chief aggressor at the top, but on Thursday, Samson took the responsibility to score the bulk of runs as he punished the Kiwi bowlers with breathtaking strokeplay. The star opener smashed 67 off 33 balls and created several records in his name.
Most 50+ Scores for India in a Calendar Year in T20Is
- 11 - Suryakumar Yadav in 2022
- 9 - Virat Kohli in 2022
- 9 - Abhishek Sharma in 2026
- 8 - Ishan Kishan in 2026
- 8 - Sanju Samson in 2026*
Most 50+ Scores as an Opener for India in T20Is
- 32 - Rohit Sharma
- 21 - KL Rahul
- 17 - Abhishek Sharma
- 12 - Sanju Samson*
- 11 - Shikhar Dhawan
Fastest 50s in Christchurch in T20Is (By Balls)
- 19 - Glenn Phillips (New Zealand) vs Bangladesh, 2022
- 21 - Cameron White (Australia) vs New Zealand, 2010
- 22 - Harry Brook (England) vs New Zealand, 2025
- 23 - Sanju Samson (India) vs New Zealand, 2026, Tonight*
Fastest 50s for Sanju Samson in T20Is (By Balls)
- 20 vs Afghanistan, Delhi, 2026
- 20 vs West Indies, Hyderabad, 2026
- 21 vs West Indies, Ranchi, 2026
- 22 vs Bangladesh, Hyderabad, 2024
- 23 vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 2026, Tonight*
- 26 vs West Indies, Kolkata, 2026
- 26 vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026
Sanju Samson's dream run continues in 2026
The year 2026 has belonged to Sanju Samson in T20Is as the right-handed batter from Kerala has scored truckloads of runs and helped India win the T20 World Cup 2026.
He was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament as he finished the competition with 321 runs in just five innings, with a strike rate of 199.38.
He had a brief slump on the UK tour, but in 2026, the 31-year-old has been outstanding, scoring 770 runs, and helping India win matches on his own.
The Indian opener carried forward the same momentum in the first T20I, and he left India in a solid position to win the match before departing.
.jpg?type=mq "When Was The Last Time Bhuvneshwar Kumar Took A T20I Wicket?")
