With the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage set to ignite Ahmedabad on Sunday, this nugget adds extra spice to the rivalry. Samson, playing five T20Is against South Africa since 2024, has two tons to his credit from the pivotal November 2024 series.

His first came on November 8, where the opener tore apart the bowling with 107 runs off 50 balls—10 sixes and 7 fours lighting up Durban. India’s 61-run triumph was powered by this innings.

Samson wasn’t done. On November 15 in Johannesburg, he remained unbeaten on 109 from 56 deliveries, smashing 9 sixes and 6 fours. The result? A staggering 135-run victory for the visitors.

Tilak Varma, with 10 outings against the Proteas, also boasts a double-century haul. Starting November 13, he notched 107 not out off 56 balls (7 sixes, 8 fours), clinching an 11-run win for India.

Capping off a dream series, Tilak’s 120 not out on November 15 off 47 balls (10 sixes, 9 fours) led to yet another 135-run demolition. These performances highlight why India holds a 21-13 edge, plus one tie, in the bilateral T20 ledger.

India’s batting arsenal, led by these stars, poses a formidable challenge. South Africa, trailing in the head-to-head, must innovate to neutralize Samson and Varma. The upcoming clash could redefine this storied rivalry.