Tilak Varma becomes the second youngest Indian to score a T20I century - WATCH

New Delhi: Tilak Varma was overjoyed as he raised his arms in celebration after scoring his first T20I century in the third match of the series against South Africa in Centurion on Wednesday, November 13. Tilak reached his century in just 51 balls, showcasing a well-paced innings at the SuperSport Park. His contribution helped India reach a formidable total of 219 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

At 22 years old, Tilak Varma became the second youngest Indian to score a T20I century, following in the footsteps of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Mumbai Indians star reached his maiden three-figure mark in just his 19th T20I match.

Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 107, blasting eight boundaries and seven sixes in an explosive innings. Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, Tilak anchored India’s innings, leading them to their highest-ever T20I total in South Africa.

Tilak reflected on the milestone, expressing that he had been eagerly waiting for his first T20I hundred for quite some time.

“Incredible feeling to get this coming back from injury. The wicket was two-paced, and challenging at the start. After some time it went well. I was holding my shape while playing the shots,” he said.

YOUNGEST TO SCORE T20I HUNDREDS FOR INDIA (MEN)

Yashasvi Jaiswal – 21 years, 279 days against Nepal in Asian Games 2023

Tilak Varma – 22 years against South Africa in Centurion in 2024

Shubman Gill – 23 years, 146 days against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2023

Suresh Raina – 23 years, 156 days against South Africa in West Indies in 2010

Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma were the standout performers for India, putting on a remarkable 107-run partnership for the second wicket in just 8.2 overs. While Abhishek was dismissed by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj after reaching his fifty, Tilak continued his onslaught, reaching a well-deserved century.

Despite India losing wickets in clusters during the middle overs, Tilak Varma kept the momentum going, anchoring the innings. Debutant Ramandeep Singh provided a late surge, smashing 15 runs off just six balls, helping India reach a strong total in the final overs.