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Tilak Varma Returns with 38, Jagadeesan's Ton Powers India A Past USA

India A began their T20 World Cup warm-up campaign with a 38-run victory over the USA at the DY Patil Stadium. Narayan Jagadeesan's explosive 104 and a solid 38 from the returning Tilak Varma powered India A to a formidable 238/3. The USA, led by Andries Gous and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, fought hard but were bowled out for 200, with Ravi Bishnoi taking three wickets. The match served as vital preparation ahead of the global tournament, highlighting key players like Varma who is returning from a recent surgery.

Key Points: India A Wins T20 Warm-Up vs USA: Jagadeesan Century, Varma Returns

  • Jagadeesan's fiery 104
  • Tilak Varma's solid 38 on return
  • Ayush Badoni's quickfire 60*
  • USA's 200 all-out despite fight
  • Ravi Bishnoi's 3-wicket haul
3 min read

Tilak Varma makes solid 38, Jagadeesan's ton shines in India A's win over USA in warm-up game

India A beats USA by 38 runs in T20 World Cup warm-up. Narayan Jagadeesan scores 104, Tilak Varma makes 38 on return from injury.

"Tilak's presence will be crucial for India at the top of the order in the T20 World Cup - Analysis"

Navi Mumbai, February 2

Tilak Varma scored a solid 38 on return while Narayan Jagadeesan slammed a fiery century as India A secured a 38-run win over USA in their ICC T20 World Cup warm-up match at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Monday.

Before the WC, India A is playing two warm-up matches, with this being their first one before the Ayush Badoni-led side takes on Namibia on February 6. Notably, the senior men's side is also slated to play a warm-up match ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. They will face South Africa on February 4.

Coming to the match, the USA won the toss and opted to field first. Priyansh Arya (28 in 13 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) played a fiery cameo to start the innings with a 43-run stand with Jagadeesan, who went on to make 104 in 55 balls, with 11 fours and five sixes. Also, Tilak, who had a century partnership with the centurion, made an impressive 38 in 24 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. Skipper Ayush Badoni (60* in 26 balls, with six fours and four sixes) also slammed a quickfire fifty, taking India to 238/3 in 20 overs, with Shubham Ranjane, Ali Khan, and Jasdeep Singh getting a wicket each.

During the chase, USA did lose wickets regularly, but knocks from Andries Gous (44 in 31 balls, with five fours and two sixes) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (41 in 18 balls, with two fours and four sixes), Ranjane (28 in 17 balls, with four boundaries) and Harmeet Singh (25 in nine balls, with two fours and two sixes) letting them give a fight as USA was skittled out for 200 runs in 19.4 overs.

Ravi Bishnoi (3/37) led the wicket charts with his spin, while Naman Dhir (2/6) and Khaleel Ahmed (2/25) were also impressive with the ball. Tilak also got a wicket in his one over, where he gave 15 runs.

Tilak has been out of action for almost a month, following a testicular surgery for an injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy fixture in January.

Tilak had been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand, which India won recently by 4-1.

Tilak's presence will be crucial for India at the top of the order in the T20 World Cup, having made 1,183 runs in 40 matches and 37 innings at an average of 49.29, with a strike rate of 144.09, including two centuries and six fifties. At number three, he brings a very Virat Kohli-esque game, capable of switching between stabilisation and acceleration, or vice versa, within a jiffy. In 15 innings at number three, he has made 542 runs at an average of 60.22 and a strike rate of over 160, including two centuries and three fifties in 15 innings and a best score of 120*.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Impressive batting display overall, but conceding 200 to the USA is a bit concerning. Our bowling, especially at the death, needs to be sharper before the main tournament. Bishnoi was expensive.
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Ananya R
Jagadeesan is making a strong case for himself! A century in a warm-up game under pressure is no small feat. The competition for wicketkeeper-batsman slots is heating up, which is good for Team India.
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Vikram M
The real test will be against stronger sides. USA put up a fight, which is good for the game globally, but our A team should be dominating them more convincingly. Batting was top-class though!
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Priya S
So happy for Tilak Varma! Coming back from surgery and contributing with both bat and ball. His stats at number three are phenomenal. He could be the solid anchor we need in the middle order for the World Cup.
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Michael C
The article mentions a "Virat Kohli-esque game" for Tilak. That's high praise. If he can bring that stability and acceleration to the senior team, it solves a big puzzle. Exciting times for Indian cricket.

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