Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jan 26: Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 72 ensured India secured a nail-biting two-wicket win against England in the second T20I at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing 166, India were off to a quick start but were soon reduced to 78/5 as England’s pacers made the most of a pitch that offered ample assistance. Tilak, however, remained composed, showcasing his temperament and technical prowess by farming the strike and building crucial partnerships with the tail.
In a tense finish, Tilak hammered a scintillating boundary off Jamie Overton through extra cover, sealing the chase with four balls to spare. His unbeaten knock of 72 off 55 balls, studded with four boundaries and five sixes, had the packed Chepauk crowd erupting in jubilation, as the iconic “Vande Mataram” blared across the stadium.
India’s chase began aggressively, with Abhishek Sharma taking on Jofra Archer in the first over, but wickets fell in quick succession. Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya all fell prey to England’s pace barrage, leaving India in trouble. Tilak, however, anchored the innings with a mix of power and precision, while Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with vital contributions.
England’s bowlers, led by Brydon Carse (3/29), made India work hard, but Tilak’s calm approach, especially against Archer and Wood, proved decisive. A crucial 16th over off Archer, where Tilak smashed 19 runs, turned the game in India’s favor.
Earlier, England posted 165/9, with Jos Buttler top-scoring with a fluent 45 and Brydon Carse providing a late flourish with a 17-ball 31. India’s spinners bowled 14 overs, their joint second-most in a men’s T20I, with Axar Patel (2/32) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/38) leading the charge.
The visitors struggled to build momentum after Buttler’s dismissal, as Axar and Chakaravarthy struck at crucial intervals. Debutant Jamie Smith impressed with a quick 22, while Carse’s power-hitting helped England cross the 160-run mark.
Despite a spirited bowling effort from England, Tilak Varma’s brilliance ensured India emerged victorious in a memorable contest.
Brief Scores:
England: 165/9 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 45, Brydon Carse 31; Axar Patel 2-32, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-38)
India: 166/8 in 19.2 overs (Tilak Varma 72 not out, Washington Sundar 26; Brydon Carse 3-29, Adil Rashid 1-14)
India won by two wickets.