After his stunning defeat against South Africa in the third T20I match, Indian batsman Tilak Varma said it was an “incredible feeling” to break a century after returning from injury. Tilak Varma played an unbeaten knock of 107 runs off 56 balls at a strike rate of 191.07. He hit eight fours and seven sixes during his time at the crease. During the inning break, Tilak said the pitch in Centurion was two-paced and “challenging” at the start. He added that India's 219/6 in the first innings is important for the Men in Blue.
Tilak, who is 22 years and 5 days old on Thursday, has become the youngest player in history to score a T20I century against South Africa. He is the second-youngest Indian to score a T20I ton, behind Yashasvi Jaiswal (21 years, 279 days). Jaiswal achieved the feat against Nepal in the 2023 Asian Games.
Tilak also became the 12th batsman to score a hundred for India in the 20-over format. The 22-year-old's century was also the fifth for India against South Africa in T20Is, the most by any team against an opponent.
“Incredible feeling to get this back after injury. The wicket had two paces and was challenging in the beginning. After a while it went well. I kept my form while playing the shots. Both of us (he and Abhishek Sharma ) were under pressure. Today's strokes are important for us. Our spinners bowled well.
After winning the toss, the Proteas sent India to bat but Aiden Markram's decision did not go in their favor as they failed to break the partnerships.
South Africa made a great start to the match as seamer Marco Jansen dismissed India opener Sanju Samson in the second ball of the match at Centurion.
After the first dismissal, Abhishek Sharma (50 runs off 25 balls, 3 fours and 5 sixes) and Tilak Varma (107 runs off 49 balls, 8 fours and 7 sixes) formed a partnership of 107 runs, which helped the Men in Blue add some extra add points. crucial runs on the board.
In the ninth over, Abhishek hit fifty off 24 balls, but in the next ball, Keshav Maharaj removed the Indian batsman from the crease.
India ended the first innings at 219/6 with Tilak Varma (107*) and Axar Patel (1*) unbeaten at the crease.
Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj led the Proteas bowling attack as they bagged two wickets each in their respective spells.
South Africa needs to score 220 runs to win the match and take a lead in the series.
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