Sanju Samson struck a stunning 82 from 41 deliveries to script a special innings in the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. Samson joined Indian batting stars like Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh as the hosts chased a stiff target of 249/5 after being asked to bat first.

The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed nine fours and four sixes in his blazing knock as he came out with flying colors after a poor opening T20I of the five-match series. However, Samson's valiant effort failed to help India avoid a six-wicket loss as West Indies chased down the target in 18.3 overs to draw the contest at 1-1.

Sanju Samson equals Virat Kohli's record against West Indies

Samson hit his half-century in only 21 balls to equal Virat Kohli's record of the fastest fifty by an Indian against West Indies in a T20I match.

The captain had scored the innings during the India vs West Indies series at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in December 2019.

Samson's aggressive innings also saw India post their highest-ever powerplay score against the Caribbean side in men's T20Is. India raced to 79/1 in the first six overs as the hosts put the visitors' bowling attack under great pressure.

Sanju Samson looked in complete control as he displayed his shot-making prowess plus impressive strike rate at the crease.

His innings gave India the much-needed push to get to the 250-run mark, but the hosts eventually failed to defend their total.

Sanju Samson equals Yuvraj Singh's T20I record

Samson also equaled Yuvraj Singh's T20I record of most half-centuries in innings at a strike rate of 200 or more by an Indian batsman.

According to Loksatta, Suryakumar Yadav leads the pack with 13 such innings, followed by Abhishek Sharma with 12.

The feat was further a pointer towards the batter's ability to accelerate in the shortest format.

Sanju Samson's innings against the West Indies was a reminder that he has the potential to deliver for India whenever he is given an opportunity.

Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford overshadow Samson's knock

Despite the imposing total that India posted, West Indies made a stunning batting show to finish with a six-wicket win in Ranchi.

The visitors' captain Shai Hope played an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls while Sherfane Rutherford smashed 84 from just 37 deliveries.

Hope and Rutherford put on a special stand together that turned the game in the visitors' favor after the hosts lost an early wicket.

He completed his century in 45 balls as West Indies chased down the 250-run target in 18.3 overs to record their highest-ever successful T20I run-chase.

The win leveled the five-match series at 1-1, with both teams still having plenty to play for in the remaining fixtures.

Sanju Samson had a busy evening registering individual milestones and a return to form.

The batter's 82-run knock saw him equal several records held by Kohli and Yuvraj, but West Indies' stunning chase meant that he eventually finished on the losing side.