From Setback to Stardom, Tilak Varma’s Redemption at Johannesburg

Tilak Varma’s sensational performance in the 4th T20I against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on November 15 played a crucial role in India’s commanding 135-run victory.

The 22-year-old’s whirlwind 120-run knock not only helped India post a massive total but also earned him the Player of the Match award. Tilak’s knock was especially significant as it marked his redemption after a disappointing debut at the same venue during the 2023 T20I series, where he was dismissed for a golden duck.

In his post-match interview, Tilak revealed how that past failure motivated him to play a match-defining innings. “Actually, I wanted to tell one funny thing, last year when I played here, I got out first ball. This innings was very crucial for the team and the series.

Just wanted to hold my shape and follow my basics as to what I did in the last game. I was calm. It’s an unbelievable feeling. I can’t express it right now. I never imagined that too, two 100s in South Africa in challenging conditions.

Thanks to our captain Surya for this. As I said last match, I was injured in the last few games, I believe in God and my process, that’s why I celebrated like that to God,” Tilak shared after his remarkable performance.

India’s Record-Breaking Partnership and Total

Tilak’s brilliant knock was complemented by Sanju Samson, who scored a blazing 109 runs, as the two put together an astonishing 210-run partnership.

This partnership, the highest for India in T20Is, was instrumental in India’s record-breaking total of 283/1, which set a new benchmark for T20I totals against South Africa. The partnership between Tilak and Samson also became the sixth-highest ever in T20I cricket and the highest for the second wicket.

India’s performance in the 4th T20I also saw them hit 23 sixes, tying the third-highest number of sixes in a single T20I innings. Sanju Samson smashed 9 sixes, while Tilak Varma hit 10, as the pair left the South African bowlers shell-shocked.

India’s 283/1 was their second-highest team total in T20Is, with only their 297/4 against Bangladesh earlier this year surpassing it. Samson, with his third T20I century in 2024, became the first player in T20I history to score three centuries in a calendar year.

Tilak Varma, on the other hand, achieved a significant milestone by scoring his second consecutive T20I century, becoming just the fifth player in T20I history to do so.

He joined an elite list that includes players like Sanju Samson and Rilee Rossouw. Notably, this was also the first instance of two batters scoring individual centuries in a T20I between two full member nations.

India Dominates with Fast Scoring and Record-Breaking Plays

The Indian team’s aggressive approach was evident as they reached their 200-run mark in just 14.1 overs, marking the third-fastest 200 in T20I history.

With Samson and Tilak leading the charge, India’s scoring rate was relentless, as they sought to finish the series on a high. In addition to the brilliance of the two centurions, Abhishek Sharma’s quick-fire knock of 18 runs off 36 balls gave India further momentum.

The final total of 283/1 is now the highest T20I total ever posted against South Africa, surpassing the previous record of 258/3 by the West Indies in 2023. The South African bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, as the likes of Samson and Tilak found the boundaries with ease.

India Clinches 3-1 Series Victory

Arshdeep Singh played a key role in India’s comprehensive victory with the ball, claiming three wickets and helping restrict South Africa’s chase.

India’s total of 283/1 was far too daunting for the South African team, who were bowled out for a modest total, handing India a resounding 135-run victory and a 3-1 series win.

With this dominant performance, India ended their T20I series on a high, showcasing their depth in batting and their ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

The 4th T20I in Johannesburg will be remembered for Tilak Varma’s redemption, Samson’s consistent brilliance, and a record-breaking partnership that helped India seal a memorable series win.