Tilak Verma’s Stunning Century Powers India to Record Total Against South Africa in T20I
In a thrilling encounter between India and South Africa in the third T20I at Centurion, 22-year-old Tilak Verma stole the show with a brilliant century, helping India post a massive 219/6 in their allotted 20 overs. This outstanding performance not only guided India to their highest T20I total in South Africa but also made Verma the second-youngest player to score a T20I century, after Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Tilak Verma’s First International Century Shines in South Africa
Verma’s scintillating 107* came off just 51 balls, with seven sixes and eight fours, showcasing his powerful stroke play and composure under pressure. His aggressive innings, along with a quick-fire 50 from Abhishek Verma, who made up for his recent form slump, set up a commanding total for India. Abhishek’s 50 came off 25 balls, including five sixes and three fours, as the duo put on a vital 107-run partnership for the second wicket after an early setback.
Despite early wickets, including the departure of Sanju Samson without scoring, Tilak’s presence ensured India kept the scoreboard ticking. South African captain Aiden Markram had won the toss and opted to bowl, but his bowlers failed to control the flow of runs, especially in the final overs. Tilak was unstoppable, as he smashed 52 runs off just 22 balls in the last six overs, giving India the momentum they needed.
Youngest T20I Centurions for India
With his record-breaking knock, Tilak Verma joined an elite group of Indian cricketers who have scored T20I centuries at a young age. Verma, at 22 years and 0 days, became the second-youngest player to score a T20I century for India, behind only Yashasvi Jaiswal, who achieved the feat at 21 years, 279 days. Other notable young T20I centurions for India include Shubman Gill (23 years, 146 days) and Suresh Raina (23 years, 156 days).
India’s Strong Total Set Up by Big Hits and Quick Partnerships
Although India faced setbacks with the dismissals of captain Suryakumar Yadav (1), Hardik Pandya (18), and Rinku Singh (8), the platform laid by Tilak and Abhishek ensured they finished strong. The Indian team’s aggressive approach, coupled with excellent batting partnerships, made for a thrilling total that was always going to challenge South Africa’s chase.
With 134/4 in 15 overs, South Africa’s chase is still on, but India’s dominant performance with the bat puts them firmly in control of this exciting T20I series.
