"Every shot is a statement, and he's making sure we don’t blink for a second" - Fans hail Tilak Varma for 47-ball 120* in IND vs SA 4th T20I 2024

Team India batter Tilak Varma smashed his second consecutive century in the fourth and final T20I against South Africa at Johannesburg on November 15. The 22-year-old had earlier capitalized on an opportunity to bat at No. 3 in the third T20I with a breathtaking 107* off 56 deliveries.

Tilak did one better in the ongoing clash by reaching his century off only 41 balls, becoming the third fastest Indian to the milestone in T20Is. The southpaw also became only the fifth batter to score back-to-back T20I centuries and the second Indian behind Sanju Samson.

Walking in at 73/1 in 5.5 overs, Tilak unleashed an incredible nine boundaries and 10 maximums to leave the South African bowlers stunned. The remarkable knocks in the last two matches helped the youngster's T20I average to an impressive 51.33 with a strike rate of 161.25 in 20 games.

Fans on Twitter were overjoyed by India's new No. 3 producing batting magic and reacted as below:

Fans continued celebrating Tilak for his remarkable ton with one saying:

"Tilak Varma has a YuvrajSingh esque reach specially against the spinners."

"Tilak Varma is teaching the world how to play cricket at No. 3 without any tuk-tuk," tweeted a fan.

"Young player play spin + pace same strike rate. Unreal hitting Thilak Varma," a fan said.

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Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson propel India to their second-highest T20I total

If Tilak Varma showcased his dynamic batting prowess, Sanju Samson was all class at the other end. It resulted in India's record display in the fourth T20I against South Africa.

Samson completed his second century of the series and a third T20I ton in his last five innings. The duo added 210* for the second wicket - the highest partnership for any wicket for India in T20Is.

Their carnage also helped India finish with their second-highest T20I total of 283/1 in 20 overs. It was also the second-highest total in a T20I between two full member sides. Moreover, the 23 maximums during India's innings were the most in a T20I featuring two full member teams.

Coming to the final match of the series on Friday, India already took an unassailable 2-1 lead with their win in the third ODI. Should they defend the massive total in the ongoing contest, the Men in Blue will walk away with the series honors by a 3-1 margin.