India pulled off a thrilling 2-wicket win against England in the 2nd T20I on January 25, 2025, during the England tour of India. The star of the show was Tilak Varma, whose composed and match-winning knock of 72 not out off 55 balls sealed the victory for the hosts.
Tilak Varma: The Hero of the Match
Tilak Varma displayed nerves of steel in a tense chase, crafting an innings laced with calculated aggression and smart shot selection. With India needing 21 runs off the last 24 balls, Tilak remained calm and ensured his team crossed the finish line.
His memorable innings included:
- 4 fours and 5 sixes
- A strike rate of 130.91
- Match-winning shot: A glorious boundary through extra cover to seal the game.
Key Moments from Tilak’s Innings
- 15th Over Carnage: Tilak smashed two sixes off Jofra Archer, completing his half-century with a top-edged six.
- Composure Under Pressure: Despite wickets falling at the other end, Tilak maintained his focus and controlled the chase effectively.
- Finishing in Style: He hit the winning boundary off Jamie Overton in the 19th over, sending the Chepauk crowd into a frenzy.
Match Summary
India vs England: 2nd T20I Highlights
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| England | 165/9 (20 overs) | India won by 2 wickets |
| India | 166/8 (19.2 overs) |
Top Performers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Tilak Varma | 72* (55 balls), 4 fours, 5 sixes |
| Brydon Carse | 4-0-29-3 (England’s top bowler) |
| Adil Rashid | 4-0-14-1, an economy of 3.50 |
Tilak Varma’s Heroics Outshine England’s Bowling
Jofra Archer struggled with the ball, conceding 60 runs in his 4 overs, the most he has ever given away in a T20I match. In contrast, Tilak Varma used Archer’s pace to his advantage, hitting two massive sixes in the 15th over, turning the game in India’s favor.
Post-Match Views
Tilak Varma expressed his delight after the match, saying:
“It was all about staying calm and taking it one ball at a time. I’m happy I could contribute to the team’s win.”
Captain Hardik Pandya lauded Tilak’s effort, calling it a “mature and composed innings that showcased his potential.”
India Leads the Series
With this victory, India takes a 2-0 lead in the T20I series, heading into the next match with momentum. Tilak Varma’s stellar performance will be remembered as one of the highlights of the series.
Stay tuned for more updates on the India vs England T20I series!
