Tilak Varma scored his first century in T20I cricket with a brutal innings against South Africa. The left-handed batter was pushed to bat at number 3 during the third game on Wednesday against South Africa in Centurion. The 22-year-old showed why he is rated highly by Indian cricket fans.
The left-handed batter reached his century off 51 balls with a four down the ground. once he reached his century, Tilak Varma leapt up with joy and removed his helmet. The youngster then pointed towards the dugout and blew a kiss to show his happiness.
Tilak Varma will score a 100 tonight. Now he is on 87.#INDvSA #TilakVarma pic.twitter.com/H520kuvBGQ
— Ganpat Teli (@gateposts_) November 13, 2024
Tilak Varma starts all guns blazing 🔥 in the 3rd #SAvIND T20I!#SAvIND #INDvsSA #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Nh9jrPt8Tu
— BabarAzam & ViratKohli fans club 🇵🇰🇮🇳 (@CallMeSheheryar) November 13, 2024
It was a century that came at the right time for Varma who has been batting well in the previous two games. Varma was retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions after being the best player for the five-time IPL champions.
India finds a new batting superstar in Centurion
Young batter Tilak Varma came out to bat at number 3 and began to play his shots right from the start. The 22-year-old put the pressure on the South African bowlers as he added 107-runs for the second wicket with Abhishek Sharma.
Despite wickets falling at the other end, Varma didn’t let the intensity drop as he kept the scoreboard ticking. At one stage, India had lost the wickets of Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
Rinku Singh came out to bat and added 58 runs for the 5th wicket in just five overs. The shot of the day played by Varma was when he hit Gerald Coetzee for a huge six. The ball travelled deep into the stands for what was the biggest six of the day. Varma ended the over with a scoop shot for four to score 21 runs off the over.
Suryakumar Yadav and his side passed the 200 run mark on what is a good wicket to bat in Centurion. The home team had chased down a huge score of 259 against West Indies during a T20 game which was played at the very same venue in 2023. At the end of the innings Varma was not out on 107 off 56 balls with India scoring 219/6.