T20 cricket : Tilak Varma Reflects on Back-to-Back Centuries: 'An Unbelievable Feeling'

Johannesburg, November 16 Young Indian batting sensation Tilak Varma delivered a stellar performance in the T20 series against South Africa, smashing consecutive centuries to propel India to a commanding 3-1 series victory.

After scoring his maiden T20 century in Centurion during the third match, the left-hander elevated his game even further in the series decider. Facing the Proteas bowlers with authority, Tilak notched up an unbeaten 120 runs off just 47 balls, studded with 10 towering sixes and 9 elegant fours. Partnering with opener Sanju Samson, who played a scintillating knock of 109* off 56 balls, the duo powered India to a mammoth 283/1 in their 20 overs.

Chasing this daunting target, South Africa crumbled under pressure and were bundled out for 148 runs in 18.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh wreaked havoc with three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel chipped in with two scalps each.

India’s emphatic 135-run victory marked their third-largest margin of victory in and handed South Africa their heaviest defeat by runs in this format.

Tilak’s Post-Match Reflection

Speaking at the post-match presentation, an elated Tilak shared a poignant memory. “Last year when I played here, I was out on the very first ball. To come back and perform like this is truly special. This knock was crucial for the team and the series. I just focused on my plans and maintained my form, keeping things simple as I did in the previous game. Staying calm was key—it’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said.

Tilak emerged as the top scorer of the series with a remarkable 280 runs across four matches. His incredible consistency earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

Record-Breaking Partnership

Tilak and Samson’s unbeaten 210-run stand set a new record for the highest partnership by an Indian pair in T20 Internationals. The partnership underscored India’s batting dominance and added another milestone to a historic night for Indian cricket in Johannesburg.

The Proteas bowlers had no answer to the onslaught, as Samson launched 9 sixes and 6 fours in his masterclass innings, while Tilak dismantled the attack with surgical precision. Together, they dismantled records and set the tone for a dominant Indian victory.

Bowling Brilliance Completes the Performance

India’s bowlers complemented the batting heroics perfectly. Arshdeep’s fiery opening spell rattled South Africa, while Chakravarthy and Patel’s disciplined performances ensured no room for recovery.

Series Summary

The series ended as a resounding success for India, showcasing exceptional performances across the board. Tilak Varma’s brilliance, Sanju Samson’s leadership with the bat, and the bowlers’ clinical execution combined to seal a historic triumph for the Men in Blue.

Indian fans will cherish this series, not only for the victories but also for the emergence of Tilak Varma as a future star—a young talent with a calm head, an aggressive approach, and a hunger to shine on the biggest stages.