The all-rounder Tilak Varma has batted at No. 3 and smashed his maiden T20I century during the 3rd T20I on India’s tour of South Africa.
After a match-winning performance, the left-handed batter Tilak Varma expressed his feelings while receiving the Player of the Match award. He smashed 107* runs off 56 deliveries which was laced with eight boundaries in his innings.where he maintained a strike rate of 191.07.
“I am okay. It was a difficult chance but I am happy we won the game. I cannot put it in words. It was my dream to play for the country and the hundred came at the right time when the team needed it.”
“All credit to Mr. Suryakumar Yadav, our captain. He gave me the opportunity to bat at 3 and told me to express myself. Thanks to him again (turns back at SKY and smiles). I just backed my basics.”
“The pitch was two-paced to start with and it wasn’t easy for the new batters coming in when Abhishek got out. I was ready to bat long and was waiting for one,” Tilak Varma said in the post-match presentation.
Recapping the match South Africa won the toss and decided to field. Abhishek Sharma smashed 50 from 25 balls and Tilak Varma powered India to 219/6 in the first innings while other batter failed to shine with the bat.
During the run chase, Heinrich Klaasen (41 runs) while Marco Jansen (54 runs) helped the side to put pressure on the Indian bowlers.
Arshdeep did the job with the new ball and in deathe over as he picked up three crucial wickets and gave 37 runs in his four over spell. Varun Chakravarthy bagged two wickets in his four over spell.
After the match, the 22-year-old left-handed batsman shared an update on his head injury after India took a 2-1 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa.
In the last over of the Proteas run chase, Tilak banged the banged back of his head on the ground while trying to take a catch off Arshdeep Singh.
He could not save the six, after which he landed on his head. The Physio checked for his concussion, after which he continued the match.
Tilak said that he found it tough to take the catch since the ball came ‘through the lights.’
Leading the series 2-1, Suryakumar-led India will be looking to claim the series with a win on 4th T20I on November 15 at Wanderers Stadium.
