Tilak Varma Seals Thrilling Victory for India in Second T20I Against England

India clinches a nail-biting two-wicket win in Chennai, powered by Tilak Varma’s heroics and stellar bowling performances.

Chennai, January 26: In a nail-biting finish, Tilak Varma's calm under pressure propelled India to a two-wicket win over England in the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The hosts chased down a target of 166 with just two balls to spare, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

The match was a roller-coaster ride, with both teams trading blows in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. England debutant Brydon Carse’s fiery spell threatened to derail India’s chase, but Tilak’s resilience proved to be the difference in a thrilling finale.

India’s Chase: Tilak’s Brilliance Amidst Chaos

India’s run chase began shakily as Abhishek Sharma (12 off 6) fell to Mark Wood’s blistering pace, followed by Sanju Samson’s (5) dismissal by Jofra Archer. Captain Suryakumar Yadav tried to steady the innings but was undone by Carse for 12, leaving India at 40/3.

Tilak Varma (67* off 48) then took charge, stitching crucial partnerships despite wickets tumbling around him. His 38-run stand with Washington Sundar (26 off 19) brought India back into contention. Carse, however, returned to remove Sundar, and Axar Patel’s cheap dismissal added to India’s woes.

Needing 19 off the final two overs, Tilak capitalized on Archer’s pace, smashing 19 runs in the 16th over. Despite losing Arshdeep Singh, Varma kept his composure, hitting the winning boundary in the final over to clinch victory.

England’s Innings: Buttler Leads as Varun, Axar Shine

England’s innings started poorly as openers Phil Salt (4) and Ben Duckett (3) departed early. Captain Jos Buttler counterattacked with a quick 45 off 30 balls, supported briefly by Harry Brook (13). However, regular breakthroughs from Axar Patel (2/24) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/27) kept England in check.

A late flourish by Brydon Carse (31 off 17) gave England a fighting total of 165/9. However, their bowlers couldn’t defend the score against India’s determined batting.

Key Performers

• Tilak Varma: Anchored the chase with a match-winning 67*, showcasing composure and big-hitting ability.
• Brydon Carse: A standout debut with 3/24 and a crucial 31-run cameo.
• Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy: Restrained England’s middle order with tight spells, picking two wickets each.

India now heads into the third T20I with the momentum firmly on their side, aiming to seal the series in style. For England, it’s a do-or-die scenario as they seek to bounce back in this competitive series.

Tags: Tilak Varma, India vs England, 2nd T20I, MA Chidambaram Stadium, cricket thriller, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Suryakumar Yadav

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Last Updated on January 26, 2025 by Sandeep