New Delhi: Team India batter Tilak Varma took centerstage in the third T20I between India and South Africa on Wednesday. Playing at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, Varma slammed his first-ever century in international cricket and also became the second youngest batter to score a T20I century for India. Facing 56 balls, he struck an unbeaten 107 runs with the help of eight fours and seven sixes, helping India post 219/6 in 20 overs batting first.
Varma turned up the batting order for India in the match, coming to bat at no. 3. It was not expected of him to come at this spot but he was given the opportunity by skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Post-match even Surya opened up on how Varma approached him after the team lost the second T20I in Gqeberha. Varma requested him of sending him at no. 3, something which he agreed upon and it turned out to be a worthy call.
Varma was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM) after the match was concluded and India managed an 11-run win. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Varma tried expressing himself, having contributed majorly for the team’s win on the day. “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,” Varma said.
For his match-winning Maiden T20I Century, Tilak Varma is adjudged the Player of the Match 👏👏
Scorecard – https://t.co/JBwOUChxmG#TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @TilakV9 pic.twitter.com/kvVhaYwOG7
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 13, 2024
Crediting Surya
Varma did not forget to mention the role of his skipper Suryakumar Yadav who gave him the opportunity to bat at (no.) 3 and told him to express himself. While talking about him, he turned back at SKY and smiled at him, saying “thanks to him again.
“I just backed my basics. 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 partnership,” Varma concluded. India and South Africa will play the fourth and final T20I of the series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, November 15.
Tilak Varma smashed 107* off 56 balls in the third T20I against South Africa, hitting his maiden international century on Wednesday. He was adjudged the Player of the Match and expressed himself post-match. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
