“I was waiting for this moment for a long time” - Tilak Varma reflects on maiden international ton during RSA vs IND 3rd T20I 2024

Tilak Varma made history by becoming the second youngest batter to score a T20I century. The left-hander achieved this milestone during the third match of the four-game T20I series against South Africa on Wednesday, November 13, at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Coming in to bat at number 3, Tilak made an explosive start, hitting a four and a six off his first three balls. He maintained his momentum, bringing up his fifty in just 32 balls. Tilak continued his onslaught, scoring the next 50 runs in just 19 balls and bringing up his maiden T20I century in 51 deliveries. He finished unbeaten on 107 off 56 balls, with eight boundaries and seven sixes.

During the mid-innings break, the 22-year-old shared his thoughts on his magnificent century with the broadcaster. He said:

“Really very happy. I was waiting for this moment for a long time. Coming after injury and scoring a hundred, it is incredible. It was challenging at the start - the wicket was two-paced. After that, it went well. I tried to hold my shape and was trying to focus on the basics."

"We (Abhishek and me) both were under pressure and this knock was important for both of us. We talked about following the basics. Our spinners are bowling well. We were looking at 200-210, so we have a good total on the board, hoping for the win," Tilak continued.

The Hyderabad batter has now scored 496 runs in 19 T20I matches, including two fifties and a century.

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Tilak Varma’s maiden century guides India to 219/6 in the 3rd T20I against South Africa

South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. Marco Jansen made an early breakthrough, dismissing Sanju Samson for a two-ball duck. However, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma countered with a brilliant 107-run partnership off 50 balls for the second wicket. Abhishek made 50 off 25 balls, with three fours and five sixes.

Hardik Pandya contributed 18 off 16 balls, while debutant Ramandeep Singh marked his arrival with a bang, hitting a six off his first ball and finishing with a quick 15 off just six balls. Tilak remained unbeaten on 107 off 56 balls, helping India reach a formidable total of 219/6 after 20 overs.