Sanju Samson sounds Asia Cup warning with 42-ball century in KCL

His innings helps Kochi Blue Tigers register last-ball win over Aries Kollam Sailors

Last updated: August 25, 2025 | 15:12

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

India's Sanju Samson scored 121 off just 51 balls, peppered with 14 fours and 7 sixes.

AFP

Dubai: Sanju Samson issued a strong statement ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE by smashing a stunning 42-ball century, leading Kochi Blue Tigers to a thrilling last-ball win over Aries Kollam Sailors in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL 2025) on Sunday at Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield Stadium.

Samson, who has been named in India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup, finds himself in a tricky spot, particularly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that the preferred opening pair will be Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, which could see Samson either benched or slotted into a middle-order role.

Against Aries Kollam, Samson was in explosive form, scoring 121 off just 51 balls, peppered with 14 fours and 7 sixes — a knock that not only powered Kochi to victory but also put the spotlight firmly back on him ahead of the continental tournament.

Commanding comeback

Interestingly, Samson didn't feature in the tournament opener against Adani Trivandrum Royals. In his only other outing in the middle order, he struggled, managing just 13 off 22 balls against Alleppey Ripples before being dismissed by Jalaj Saxena. However, his commanding comeback against Aries showcased his class and intent.

In his T20I career for India, Samson has played 42 matches, scoring 861 runs in 38 innings at an average of 25.38, including three centuries and two fifties. Since last year, he has enjoyed a resurgence as an opener, notching up three hundreds in just five innings across series against Bangladesh and South Africa. In fact, he ended last year as India’s top T20I batter with 436 runs in 12 innings, averaging 43.60 at a blistering strike rate of 180.16.

India’s Asia Cup campaign begins on September 10 against hosts UAE in Dubai. The much-anticipated clash against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, also in Dubai, followed by their final group stage match against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super 4 stage, which runs from September 20 to 26. If India tops Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be held in Dubai. However, if they finish second, one of those games will shift to Abu Dhabi, with the remaining two staying in Dubai. The final will be held in Dubai on September 28.

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Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.