Tilak Varma’s One-Man Show Powers India to a Thrilling Win at Chepauk, Men in Blue Take 2-0 Series Lead

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Left-handed batter Tilak Varma delivered a composed yet decisive knock to guide India to a thrilling two-wicket victory over England in the second T20I at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday, January 25. With this win, India have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Promoted to the No. 3 spot once again, Tilak anchored the innings amidst mounting pressure, scoring a crucial 72 runs off 55 balls. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, his ability to hold the innings together, coupled with contributions from the lower order, proved to be the difference in a nail-biting contest.

India’s Chase: Tilak Varma Stands Tall

Chasing 166, India stumbled early with wickets falling at critical junctures. When Axar Patel was dismissed, the hosts were left needing 40 runs off the last five overs, with only one recognized batter in the middle. However, Tilak, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi, managed to keep the game alive.

The turning point came in the 16th over when Tilak and Arshdeep took 19 runs off Jofra Archer, bringing the equation to a manageable 21 runs from 24 balls. England bounced back in the following over as Adil Rashid dismissed Arshdeep while conceding just one run, putting India under pressure again.

Ravi Bishnoi played a crucial cameo, scoring nine runs with two vital boundaries, while Tilak continued to remain composed. Needing six runs from the final over bowled by Jamie Overton, Tilak sealed the win with a two followed by a boundary through the covers, finishing the chase with four balls to spare.

Earlier in the game, England posted 165/9 on a tricky surface. Captain Jos Buttler led the charge with a fluent 45, but the Indian spinners kept chipping away with regular wickets. On his T20I debut, Jamie Smith impressed with a quick 22 off 12 balls.

Brydon Carse, who replaced Gus Atkinson in the XI, showcased his all-round abilities. He provided a late flourish with a brisk 31 off 17 balls and was England’s standout bowler, returning figures of 3/29 in his four-over spell.

With this win, India now have a 2-0 lead in the series. The teams will next face off in the third T20I at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, where the Men in Blue will aim to seal the series.

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