NewKerala.com

Irfan Pathan Praises Tilak Varma's Pacy Knock in India's T20 WC Win Over WI

India defeated the West Indies in a virtual quarter-final to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan praised middle-order batter Tilak Varma for his impactful 27-run knock off just 15 balls, highlighting his ability to handle pace bowling. The West Indies posted 195/4 thanks to contributions from Roston Chase and a late blitz from Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran. India chased down the target with five wickets and four balls to spare, setting up a semi-final clash against England.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan on Tilak Varma's Batting vs West Indies

  • India reaches T20 WC semi-final
  • Tilak Varma's rapid 27 off 15 balls
  • Pathan praises Varma's handling of pace
  • Crucial partnerships seal chase
  • To face England in semis
2 min read

"He likes pace, and that showed": Irfan Pathan praises Tilak Varma's batting approach against Windies

Irfan Pathan lauds Tilak Varma's crucial 27-run cameo against pace as India beats West Indies to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals.

"Tilak likes pace, and that showed. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, March 2

India secured a spot in their sixth semi-final of the Men's T20 World Cup after defeating the West Indies in the virtual quarter-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded the Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma for his impactful performance in the match.

Varma played a rapid 27-run knock off 15 balls, including five boundaries and a six, helping India chase down the 196-run target with five wickets and four balls to spare.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after the win, Pathan said, "Tilak Varma's 27-run innings was also very crucial. When he came in, Roston Chase started bowling in the very next over. At first, it seemed like Tilak was taking his time, but they took 17 runs off Shamar Joseph's next over and completely regained the momentum. Tilak likes pace, and that showed."

Coming to the match, India won the toss and elected to field first. Roston Chase (40 in 25 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Shai Hope (32 in 33 balls, with three fours and a six) put on an opening stand of 68 runs for the first wicket. However, the West Indies slipped to 119/4 in 14.1 overs despite a fiery cameo from Shimron Hetmyer (27 in 12 balls, with a four and two sixes).

Jason Holder (37* in 22 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Nicholas Pooran (34* in 19 balls, with three fours and two sixes) then added a rapid 76-run stand in 35 balls, taking the total to 195/4 in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah (2/36 in four overs) led India's bowling attack, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya chipping in with 1/40 each.

The 23-year-old Varma, who batted lower down the order after missing out at number three in the league stage, impressed with his aggressive approach. "As experts and fans, we always look at a batter's numbers. Now his batting numbers may change because he might not get many opportunities to play long innings anymore. When you bat at number three, you face more deliveries. But when you bat lower down the order, your role changes," Pathan added.

During India's run chase, the team was reduced to 41/2 in the powerplay. A 58-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (18) steadied the innings. India then stitched crucial partnerships involving Varma (27 in 15 balls), Hardik Pandya (17), and Shivam Dube (8*), leading to a five-wicket victory.

India will now face England in the semi-finals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy for Tilak! He was waiting for his moment and he delivered. His role is so tough - coming in late and having to hit from ball one. His ability to find the boundary under pressure is fantastic. Hope he gets more opportunities, even if it's down the order.
R
Rohit P
Good performance, but let's not get carried away. It was a 15-ball cameo. The real test will be in the semi-final against England's attack. Our top order collapsing for 41/2 is a bigger concern that needs to be addressed before Thursday. Bowling in the death overs was also expensive.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Mumbai, I can't wait for the semi-final at Wankhede! The atmosphere will be electric. Players like Tilak Varma bring such exciting energy to the team. That six he hit was pure timing. Well analyzed by Irfan Pathan.
K
Karthik V
Pathan's point about batting numbers is so true. We fans sometimes judge players only by averages and 50s/100s. In T20, a 15-ball 27 can be match-winning, and that's exactly what Tilak provided. His role is clarity - attack from ball one. He executed it perfectly. 👏
N
Nisha Z
The future looks bright with youngsters like Tilak in the mix. But credit also to Hardik and Dube for finishing the job calmly. On to the semis! England be ready, we are coming for you! #TeamIndia

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50