Daniel Sams is an Australian international cricketer known for his explosive all-round abilities in limited-overs cricket. The 33-year-old, standing 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), has recently featured in Australia’s 2025 T20I series against New Zealand, where his death-over bowling and lower-order hitting provided crucial balance to the squad.
Nicknamed “The Karate Kid,” Sams is celebrated for his match-changing performances, with one of his finest moments coming during the BBL 2020–21 season, when he smashed 65 off 25 balls to pull off a remarkable chase for Sydney Thunder. He has been a part of multiple IPL teams, and he last played the IPL 2025 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, contributing as a key all-round option in the middle and death overs.*
Properties in Sydney, investments in fitness ventures
Daniel Sams has accumulated substantial wealth through his cricket contracts across multiple T20 leagues worldwide, including the IPL, BBL, The Hundred, and Pakistan Super League. His income sources extend beyond match fees to brand endorsements and fitness-related ventures, leveraging his athletic background.
Teams Played For
Team
Years Active
Australia
2020-2022
New South Wales
2018
Canterbury
2017-2018
Sydney Sixers
2017-2018
Sydney Thunder
2018-2025
Vancouver Knights
2019
Delhi Capitals
2020
Royal Challengers Bangalore
2021
Mumbai Indians
2022
Lucknow Super Giants
2023
Essex
2022-2024
Trent Rockets (The Hundred)
2023
Texas Super Kings (MLC)
2023
Karachi Kings (PSL)
2024
Nottinghamshire
2025
Education
Qualification
Institution
School
De La Salle College, Revesby Heights, Sydney
University
Not publicly available
Complete Career Stats
Batting Career Summary
Format
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Average
Strike Rate
100s
50s
T20I
10
106
41
26.50
170.96
0
0
IPL
16
44
15
4.89
100.00
0
0
Bowling Career Summary
Daniel Sams Recent Form – Last 5 Matches
Format
Opponent
Date
Runs / Wickets
Venue
T20I
New Zealand
February 15, 2025
18 runs off 10 balls & 1/24
Eden Park, Auckland
T20I
New Zealand
February 12, 2025
7 runs & 2/31
Sky Stadium, Wellington
BBL
Melbourne Stars
January 25, 2025
32 runs off 18 balls & 1/22
Sydney Showground Stadium
BBL
Brisbane Heat
January 20, 2025
14 runs & 2/28
The Gabba, Brisbane
BBL
Perth Scorchers
January 14, 2025
25* runs off 12 balls & 1/30
Optus Stadium, Perth
Career Highlights
Year
Achievement
2017
Best debut figures in BBL history (4/14)
2019-20
Leading wicket-taker in BBL with 30 wickets
2020
Made international T20I debut for Australia
2020
Won Michael Hussey Medal as Sydney Thunder’s Player of the Tournament
2022
Best IPL bowling figures of 4/30 for Mumbai Indians
2023
Joined Major League Cricket with Texas Super Kings
2025
Signed with Nottinghamshire for T20 Blast
Major Trophies & Awards
Year
Competition / Trophy
Team
Significance
2017–18
Big Bash League Leading Wicket-Taker (Team Leader)
Sydney Sixers
Breakout season; announced himself in BBL
2018–19
BBL Team of the Tournament (Selected)
Sydney Thunder
Recognition for top-class all-round performance
2019
Australia T20I Debut
Australia
Start of international career (not a trophy but a major milestone)
2019–20
Big Bash League Team of the Tournament
Sydney Thunder
One of the best all-rounders of the season
2020
IPL Debut
Delhi Capitals
Entry into the world’s biggest T20 league
2020–21
Big Bash League – Most Wickets for Team
Sydney Thunder
Continued dominance as a strike bowler
2021–22
BBL Player of the Match Awards (Multiple)
Sydney Thunder
Recognized for all-round match-winning performances
2022
The Hundred – Champion
Trent Rockets
Major franchise league title in England
2023–24
Big Bash League – Team Leader in Wickets
Sydney Thunder
Maintained consistency in BBL
2024
Marsh Cup Contribution
New South Wales
Important domestic List-A performances
2025
Ongoing T20I & BBL Participation
Australia / Sydney Thunder
Active and performing in latest domestic + international fixtures
Additional Achievements
Achievement
Context
Record BBL Wickets
Set single-season BBL record with 30 wickets, surpassing Kane Richardson’s 24
International Call-up
Selected in Australia’s preliminary squad for England tour 2020
T20 World Cup Squad
Named as injury cover for Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup squad
Multi-League Career
Represented franchises across 7 different T20 leagues worldwide
He was initially not selected for BBL07 but was called in as an injury replacement for Henry Thornton, which became his breakthrough opportunity.
His nickname “The Karate Kid” originated from his energetic celebrations and dynamic playing style on the field.
Sams holds the record for most wickets in a single BBL season, breaking the previous record held by Kane Richardson.
He made his first-class debut for Canterbury in New Zealand before playing for his home state New South Wales.
In January 2025, he suffered a severe concussion after colliding with Cameron Bancroft during a BBL match, where he was knocked unconscious and stretchered off the field.
Despite being a late bloomer in professional cricket (debut at age 25), he quickly established himself as one of BBL’s premier all-rounders.
His best T20 bowling figures of 4/14 on debut remain among the best by any BBL debutant in tournament history.
Sams has represented clubs and franchises in seven different countries across his T20 career.
Post Biography Summary
Born in Milperra, Daniel Sams is 33 years old and 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. His cricket journey through multiple domestic and international T20 leagues reflects his adaptability and skill as a genuine all-rounder who can change the course of matches.
I’m Uday Paruthi, cricket lover and founder of Stumpscast.com. I enjoy telling the unique stories of cricketers through detailed biography articles, uncovering their journeys, challenges, and achievements. My aim is to help fans connect with players beyond the game, learning what makes each one special. From legends to rising stars, I share insights that bring cricket’s human side to life. Join me on Stumpscast to explore the sport’s most inspiring stories. Follow me on social media for my latest work.
