Tilak Varma celebrated his maiden T20I hundred with a fist pump and a smile of pure delight, reaching the milestone in the third game of the four-match series against South Africa at Centurion on November 13. In a remarkable knock at SuperSport Park, Tilak’s 51-ball century powered India to an impressive total of 219 for 6 in their 20 overs, setting their highest T20I score in South Africa.
The 22-year-old’s milestone makes him the second-youngest Indian to score a T20I century, following Yashasvi Jaiswal. Known for his consistency with the Mumbai Indians, Tilak reached this personal best in just his 19th T20I appearance, closing out the innings with an unbeaten 107. His dynamic knock featured eight boundaries and seven towering sixes, showcasing a mix of patience and power that kept India’s innings steady even as wickets fell at the other end.
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Reflecting on his special achievement, Tilak Varma expressed his joy, especially given his recent comeback from injury. “It’s an incredible feeling,” he shared. “The pitch was a bit tricky at the start, with a two-paced bounce, but I focused on holding my shape and building the innings. It was worth the wait.”
The innings was further elevated by his strong partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who played a quick-fire role, contributing a brisk fifty in their 107-run stand for the second wicket. Abhishek’s innings ended at the hands of Keshav Maharaj, but Tilak held steady, pacing his knock skillfully to reach three figures. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Tilak’s calm presence kept India’s momentum alive.
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Adding to India’s flourish, debutant Ramandeep Singh made his mark in the final overs with a rapid 15 from just six balls, ensuring a strong finish. With Tilak’s innings and the late push from Ramandeep, India walked off with an imposing target that showcased a mix of experienced composure and youthful flair.
Youngest to Score T20I Hundreds for India (Men):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 21 years, 279 days (2023, Asian Games)
- Tilak Varma – 22 years (2024, South Africa)
- Shubman Gill – 23 years, 146 days (2023, vs New Zealand)
- Suresh Raina – 23 years, 156 days (2010, vs South Africa)
💯 #Tilak Varma’s Stunning Century Powers India to Big Total! 🔥
Tilak Varma’s first-ever T20I century has helped India post a colossal total of 219 against South Africa! 🏏🇮🇳 #INDvSA #Cricket pic.twitter.com/2QCno0vyZe
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 13, 2024
A maiden century for Tilak Varma in international cricket 💯🤩#SAvIND 📝: https://t.co/pBANDkwZJg pic.twitter.com/Axy3un9cPH
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2024
History made! 🥶
Tilak Varma is the youngest Indian to hit a T20I century overseas 🇮🇳 #TilakVarma pic.twitter.com/cP1R7Rox2Y
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) November 13, 2024
If Tilak Varma scores a century today, I will send Rs 100 in the account of the person who likes and replies to this tweet #TilakVarma pic.twitter.com/CAyrQaO3qq
— Hardik Kohli (@ShortStatus1) November 13, 2024
13th Nov 2014. 13th Nov 2024.
Perfect 10 years challenge by Tilak Varma. Mumbai Indians heritage. pic.twitter.com/kdxOpUekEa
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 13, 2024
I still remember when Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma had brilliant IPL but selectors picked Tilak Varma ahead of Rinku for the west indies series.
He had the Fabolous series against West Indies but was lost in between. Today again he has shown his talent.pic.twitter.com/J524Ql2LG2
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 13, 2024