India goes 2-0 up in the series after Tilak Varma’s heroics and Carse’s fiery spell steal the show at Chepauk.
Chennai, January 25: A sensational knock by Tilak Varma secured a dramatic two-wicket victory for India against England in the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The win, which came down to the final over, handed India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a target of 166, India faced a rollercoaster of a match as debutant Brydon Carse wreaked havoc with the ball. Despite setbacks, Tilak Varma’s composed yet aggressive 74* off 42 balls anchored India’s chase in a high-stakes encounter.
India’s Topsy-Turvy Chase
India’s pursuit of 166 began with promise but quickly ran into trouble. Abhishek Sharma (12) fell to Mark Wood’s pace, and Jofra Archer’s short ball sent Sanju Samson (5) packing. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav offered hope with a few aggressive strokes but was undone by Carse, leaving India at 41/3.
Tilak Varma then took charge, crafting an innings full of poise and power. He found a brief ally in Hardik Pandya, but India’s middle order faltered as Carse continued his fiery spell. A crucial partnership of 38 runs with Washington Sundar revived India, but Sundar’s dismissal for 26 brought more pressure.
Tilak, however, stood firm. A blistering 19-run over off Archer turned the game in India’s favor. Despite losing Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi in quick succession, Tilak’s elegant cover drive in the final over sealed the thrilling win with three balls to spare.
England’s Innings: A Mixed Bag
Earlier, England’s innings got off to a rocky start as Arshdeep Singh and Washington Sundar struck early blows, dismissing Phil Salt (4) and Ben Duckett (3). Skipper Jos Buttler counterattacked with a blazing 45 off 30 balls, but regular wickets pegged England back.
Varun Chakravarthy, playing his first international at home, shone with figures of 2/24, dismissing Harry Brook (13) and Jamie Overton (5). Axar Patel added two scalps, including the crucial wicket of Buttler, who was threatening to take the game away.
Late fireworks from Brydon Carse (31 off 17) helped England post a competitive 165/9. However, the target proved insufficient against Tilak Varma’s brilliance.
Key Performers
- India: Tilak Varma (74*), Washington Sundar (26 & 1/27), Varun Chakravarthy (2/24)
- England: Brydon Carse (31 & 3/24), Jos Buttler (45 off 30), Mark Wood (2/25)
What’s Next?
With a 2-0 lead, India will look to seal the series in the third T20I at Rajkot on January 28. England, on the other hand, will aim for a comeback to keep the series alive.