January 26, 2025: Indian batter Tilak Varma made history on Saturday with a scintillating unbeaten knock of 72 runs off 55 balls in India’s thrilling run-chase against England at Chennai.
His performance not only led India to victory in a tense match but also set a new world record. Tilak, who has been in sensational form since his return from injury, broke the previous record for the most runs scored between two dismissals in T20Is. He now holds the record with 318 runs across four innings, surpassing New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, who had scored 271 runs in 2023.
Since his last dismissal for 20 runs against South Africa on November 10, Tilak has been on a tear, posting scores of 107*, 120*, 19*, and 72*, amassing 318 runs in just four innings. This incredible streak has helped him average an astonishing 185.5 in T20Is since his return, with two centuries and a fifty to his name. Overall, in 22 T20I matches, he has scored 707 runs at an average of 58.91 and a strike rate of 156.07, making him one of the most exciting young talents in the format.
In the match, India was set a target of 166 runs, but the chase got off to a rough start with quick wickets falling early. India was struggling at 78/5, but Tilak remained calm and held the innings together. He found crucial partnerships with Washington Sundar (26 runs) and later with Arshdeep Singh (4) and Ravi Bishnoi (9*) to steer India past the target with two wickets and four balls to spare.
While England’s bowlers, including Brydon Carse (3/29) and Adil Rashid (1/14), put up a strong fight, India’s resilience, anchored by Tilak’s brilliance, saw them take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. It was yet another unforgettable performance from a player whose stock is rising rapidly on the international stage.