India vs England 2nd T20I Highlights: Tilak Varma’s Heroics Secure Thrilling Two-Wicket Win for India
In a nail-biting second T20I at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, Team India edged past England with a two-wicket victory, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Tilak Varma’s composed unbeaten 72-run knock steered the team to victory, chasing a target of 166 with four balls to spare.
England Sets a Competitive Target
Winning the toss, England opted to bat but stumbled early as Arshdeep Singh dismissed opener Phil Salt for just four runs. Washington Sundar struck next, removing Ben Duckett. Harry Brook contributed a modest 13 before being sent back by Varun Chakravarthy.
Captain Jos Buttler anchored the innings with a solid 45 off 30 balls, supported by Brydon Carse’s quick-fire 31 off 17 balls. Despite their efforts, England managed 165/9 in 20 overs, as Indian bowlers kept the pressure on. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh picked up crucial wickets, while Ravi Bishnoi’s tidy spell added to England’s struggles.
India’s Rocky Start
India’s chase began on a shaky note. Openers Sanju Samson (5) and Abhishek Sharma (12) fell early, followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav (12). The middle order couldn’t stabilize either, with Dhruv Jurel (4) and Hardik Pandya (7) departing cheaply.
Washington Sundar’s 26 off 19 balls provided some respite before Tilak Varma took center stage. The young southpaw held his nerve amidst the chaos, hitting four boundaries and five towering sixes to keep India in the game.
Tilak Varma’s Masterclass
Tilak Varma showcased remarkable composure under pressure, crafting a calculated innings to guide India home. He reached his half-century off 39 balls, exhibiting a mix of grit and flair. With just six runs needed in the final over, Tilak sealed the deal with two consecutive boundaries. His match-winning partnership with Ravi Bishnoi (9*) for the ninth wicket ensured India’s victory in the penultimate over.
Key Performances
- Tilak Varma: 72* off 55 balls
- Jos Buttler: 45 off 30 balls
- Brydon Carse: 31 off 17 balls
- Washington Sundar: 2/26 in 4 overs
- Arshdeep Singh: 2/23 in 4 overs
Match Summary
- England: 165/9 in 20 overs
- India: 166/8 in 19.2 overs
- Result: India won by 2 wickets
Squads
India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
