Tilak Varma crafted a brilliant maiden T20I fifty, guiding India to 152/7 against WI with a dynamic array of shots including scoops, sweeps, and powerful drives.

The 20-year-old skipper’s 51 off 41 balls showcased his exceptional talent as he became the youngest Indian to achieve this feat in T20 Internationals.

Amid frequent wicket falls, Tilak Varma stood out with remarkable maturity and advanced game sense beyond his years. Bolstered by Mumbai Indians’ IPL exposure, he faced diverse opponents. With strong IPL seasons (397 and 343 runs in initial years), he stepped up against West Indies, compensating for a struggling top order and contributing to a substantial team total.

Tilak celebrated his maiden fifty with a jubilant dance, earning a standing ovation from the dugout.

In the first innings, the Men in Blue faced early struggles with Alzarri Joseph dismissing Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav falling victim to a run-out mix-up and Ishan Kishan being bowled by Kyle Mayers. Sanju Samson’s departure followed, undone by a sharp delivery from left-arm spinner Akeal Hossan, resulting in a stumping.

Tilak Varma’s effort was complemented by skipper Hardik Pandya’s 24 off 18 balls, while India reached 152 in 20 overs. Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi’s contributions nudged the score past 150. Pressure mounts as India trails 2-0, seeking solutions in team composition and selection through experimentation with emerging players.

Last Updated on August 7, 2023

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