New Delhi: Tilak Varma eclipsed Virat Kohli’s Indian record and the global record for the most runs in T20Is without being dismissed, scoring an unbeaten 72 runs against England in a thrilling two-wicket win during the second T20I in Chennai.
In addition, Tilak set a new milestone as the Indian batter with the highest number of runs over four consecutive T20I innings, accumulating an astonishing 318 runs without being dismissed. This impressive streak outshines the previous records held by Virat Kohli (258), Sanju Samson (257), Rohit Sharma (253), and Shikhar Dhawan (252).
The left-handed batter, who had previously made scores of 19*, 120*, and 107* in his last three T20I innings, produced yet another stellar performance, remaining unbeaten on 72 off 55 balls at Chepauk. His brilliant knock played a pivotal role in India securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, pushing his T20I run total to 318 runs without being dismissed.
The previous record was held by New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, who scored 271 runs without being dismissed. Following him on the all-time list are Shreyas Iyer (240), Aaron Finch (240), and David Warner (239).
Tilak, however, remains not out in T20Is, and he will have the chance to extend his remarkable streak in the third match of the series. His unbeaten 72 off 55 balls, which included 4 fours and 5 sixes, highlighted his ability to handle the pace of England’s bowlers and lead India to their target of 166, despite receiving limited support from his teammates.
Tilak’s knock was a gem, particularly considering the persistent pressure from the England bowlers, who made early breakthroughs. Pacer Jofra Archer became Tilak’s main focus, with the left-hander hitting four sixes off the Sussex bowler. Archer ended up conceding 60 runs in his four overs, taking only the wicket of Sanju Samson.
One of the highlights of Tilak’s innings was a remarkable six-over deep fine leg off Brydon Carse (3/29), demonstrating his excellent shot selection and execution. Amid the turmoil in India’s middle order, Tilak remained composed and anchored the team, leading them to a total of 166 for eight by the end of the innings.
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