Tilak Varma played a defining role in India’s tense 2 wicket victory over England in the second T20I at Chennai taking his team to a 2-0 lead in the five match series.
Chasing 166 Varma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls showcasing maturity and composure under pressure. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals Tilak Varma stayed till the end. Ensuring India secure the match with four balls to spare.
England had earlier posted 165/9 riding on Brydon Carse’s quick 31 off 17 balls and late contributions from debutant Jamie Smith (22 off 12). Jos Buttler’s 45 and Carse’s three wickets briefly put England in a commanding position. After Mark Wood and Carse caused early setbacks India’s chase seemed to stumble at 66/4.
Tilak Varma however steadied the innings finding support from Washington Sundar who hit 22 off 13 and Ravi Bishnoi who hewed in with a crucial nine runs off five balls. The turning point came in the death overs when Tilak Varma targeted Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. Archer’s expensive spell (1/60 in 4 overs) allowed India to regain control.
England’s bowling had earlier put India on the back foot with Carse dismissing Suryakumar Yadav. Dhruv Jurel and Sundar taken down by Carse in crucial moments. Rashid despite his economical spell missed a catch that allowed Sundar to counter attack and shift the momentum.
India’s bowlers also played a significant role earlier in the match. Arshdeep Singh struck in the first over to dismiss Phil Salt while Varun Chakravarthy once again defeats Harry Brook with a googly. Axar Patel claimed two key wickets including Buttler to cut back England’s aggressive start.
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The chase however belonged to Tilak Varma who displayed a mix of calculated aggression and calmness under pressure. His crucial boundaries against Archer and Overton in the final overs ensured India crossed the finish line.
