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Tilak Varma Eyes South Africa Redemption in T20 World Cup Clash

As India faces South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super Eight, focus turns to Tilak Varma who has historically dominated Proteas bowling. He averages a remarkable 70.85 against them in T20Is, including a prolific 2024 tour where he scored 280 runs in four innings. However, his current tournament form has been underwhelming, making this match a critical opportunity for redemption. His performance could be key to India's success in the high-stakes clash.

Key Points: Tilak Varma's Stellar Record vs South Africa in T20 WC

  • Tilak Varma seeks form after slow group stage
  • Averages 70.85 vs South Africa in T20Is
  • Scored 280 runs in 4 innings in 2024 SA tour
  • India faces SA in crucial Super Eight match
  • Opportunity to solidify top-order spot
2 min read

Will Tilak Varma bring his A-game against South Africa in T20 WC?

Can Tilak Varma's dominant historical form against South Africa spark India's T20 World Cup campaign? Preview and stats inside.

"This was a redemption moment for Tilak as he proved he could hang around in tough South African conditions too. - Report"

Ahmedabad, February 22

As defending champions India prepare to take on South Africa in a high-octane Super Eight T20 World Cup clash, all eyes will be on left-handed batter Tilak Varma to finally bring his A-game in the tournament against an opposition he has thrived against historically.

After an underwhelming group stage with the bat, which saw him get a few starts but not be able to catch up and score big at a fine strike rate, Tilak will be aiming to make an absolute meal of the South African bowling attack. His numbers against the 2024 T20 WC runners-up suggest a special spot for Proteas bowlers as far as his cricket is concerned.

In 10 matches against South Africa, Tilak has scored 496 runs at an average of 70.85 and a strike rate of 163.15, with two centuries and two fifties and a best score of 120*. He has managed to stay unbeaten in three of ten innings played against them.

Starting off his career in 2023, Tilak notched scores of 29 and 0 during his first tour to South Africa.

In late 2024, he top-scored during the T20Is away from home, scoring 280 runs in four innings at an average of 140.00 and a strike rate of 198.58, with two successive centuries. This saw him solidify his spot in Team India as a top-order batter following a return from injury. This was a redemption moment for Tilak as he proved he could hang around in tough South African conditions too.

Later in December at home, Tilak continued to dominate Proteas, top-scoring with 187 runs in four matches and innings at an average of 62.33, with a strike rate of 131.69 and two fifties and a best score of 73.

So far in this tournament, Tilak has got starts, but struggled to maintain his tempo against spinners on spin-friendly surfaces, scoring 106 runs in four innings at an average of 26.50, with a strike rate of 120.45 and best score of 31. At this moment, playing against SA is a golden opportunity for him to get his form back.

Squads: India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The stats don't lie. He clearly has a psychological edge over the South African bowlers. Hope he can translate that past success into a big performance under World Cup pressure.
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Ananya R
I have faith in Tilak! He's a talented player who has shown he can perform on the big stage. Maybe he was just saving his best for the knockout stages. Let's back our boys!
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Vikram M
With respect, his strike rate of 120 in the tournament so far is a concern. We need quick runs in the powerplay. Hope he finds his aggressive intent against Rabada and Nortje.
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Karthik V
The 2024 series in SA was legendary stuff from him. If he can channel that same fearless batting, we are in for a treat. Come on, Tilak! Make us proud.
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Priya S
It's all about handling pressure. The stats are great, but World Cup is different. Hope the team management gives him that confidence. Jai Hind!

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