Tilak Varma Scores Maiden T20I Century, Leads India to Victory Over South Africa

Tilak Varma, the 22-year-old Indian cricketer, has made a significant impact on the international stage with his maiden T20I century. In the third T20I against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Varma scored an unbeaten 107 off 56 balls, helping India secure an 11-run victory and a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

Varma’s innings was marked by aggressive intent, reflecting the brand of cricket advocated by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. Promoted to bat at number three, a position he had requested, Varma immediately went on the attack after Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck. He hit eight fours and seven sixes, forming a crucial second-wicket stand of 107 runs with fellow left-hander Abhishek Sharma, who scored 50 off 25 balls.

Varma’s performance was particularly significant given his recent return from a hand injury that had kept him out of action for two months. He had missed series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka but demonstrated his readiness with a match-winning knock. “I was waiting for this for a long time, coming back after injury,” Varma said, highlighting his patience and hard work during his recovery.

The young batsman’s success is also attributed to the mentorship he received from the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite initial rejections in trials, Varma was eventually picked and nurtured by the franchise, which helped him develop his game sense and tactical awareness.

Varma’s coach, Salam Bayash, praised his ward’s dedication and predicted a bright future for him in all formats of the game. “He spends more time training with the red ball than the white. I am sure he will do well in Tests. He is definitely a three-format player,” Bayash said.

The victory was also notable for India’s disciplined bowling, with Arshdeep Singh taking three wickets and Varun Chakravarthy contributing two. South Africa’s efforts were hampered by their own bowling errors, including three no-balls and 10 wides, which ultimately proved decisive in the outcome).