In a fierce clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India tight a a thrilling two-wicket win over England in the second T20I to secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 166, India overcame a shaky start thanks to a composed batting that decided the match Tilak Varmawho had the guts to take India over the line with just four balls to spare. The game saw brilliant individual performances, high drama in deadly skirmishes and plenty of strategic battles, making it an unforgettable contest.
England changes: Jos Buttler and Brydon Carse anchors amid middle-order woes
After being put into bat, England made 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a rough start with early layoffs Phil Salt and Ben Duckettcaptain Jos Buttler represented his class with a measured 45 off 30 balls, supported by fireworks from Brydon Carsewho smashed a quick 31 off 17 balls. Attachments from Jamie Smith (22 of 12) i Liam Livingstone (13 off 14) provided stability, but frequent wickets prevented England from taking advantage in the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel provided impressive spells, taking two wickets each, while a fielding effort, including a brilliant run from Carse, kept England’s total in check.
READ ALSO: Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar mock Harry Brook’s ‘smog apology’ after Varun Chakravarthy removes England batsman in 2nd T20I – IND vs ENG
The Indian Chase: Tilak Varma’s Masterclass in Pressure
India’s chase got off to a shaky start Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson fell early, leaving the team at 19/2. Captain Suryakumar YadavHis quickfire 12 off 7 balls provided some momentum but his dismissal further complicated the chase. Tilak, however, rose to the occasion with a sensational unbeaten 72 off 55 balls, combining caution with aggression. His innings featured four boundaries and five towering sixes, ensuring India remained in the hunt. Washington Sundar he chipped in with a vital 26 off 19 balls, while Ravi Bishnoia quiet nine-run cameo sealed the deal in the final. Despite disciplined bowling by Carsa (3/29) and Adil Rashid (1/14), England failed to defend their total.
Here’s how Twitter responded:
Ok, Tilak, that was very impressive! 🙌🏼
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 25, 2025
This Tilak knock is better than his 2 tons in SA. The responsibility he showed here was incredible. He attacked at the beginning and then played on the situation and led the team home. Quality typing.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) January 25, 2025
Tilak and Bishnoi today 🥵 pic.twitter.com/65pKddZEEy
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) January 25, 2025
Winning shot ✅
Handling pressure ✅
Making decisions
Tempo and selection of his matches ✅✅Tilak Varma🤝🤝 #INDvsENG
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 25, 2025
In Tilak, we believe! 💪🏻 #ZviždukPodu #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/FOlPexSpYH
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 25, 2025
Excellent edits by Tilak Verma. Another example that testifies to his great temperament and situational awareness. A difficult skill to learn and far more important than other hitting skills.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) January 25, 2025
Excellent changes by Tilak. Got Indu back on track at 78/5, kept his cool till the end. Jofra Archer’s dismissal of 19 runs from the 16th over was a turning point. Well played @TilakV9 👏🏻 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/k1mgVFUbeJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 25, 2025
🐺 𝚰𝐍𝐃𝚰𝐀 ⚔ 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 🇮🇳#INDvENG #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/RwXSCMiX7i
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 25, 2025
And there it was, Tilak Varma won it for India! 🥵🔥🔥
Only this man Tilak Varma played a crucial knock for India scoring 72 runs off 55 balls including 4 fours and 5 sixes against England in 2nd T20I, what a knock, one to remember in T20I for him. 👏#TilakVarma #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/sHmbv1a5kT
— Riya kapoor (@Riyakapoor78) January 25, 2025
No surprises for the ‘Player of the Match’ award in the 2nd T20I 🙌#TilakVarma #INDvENG #cricket pic.twitter.com/rImJNpJz1T
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 25, 2025
One of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket has shown why he is so highly rated. This from #TilakVarma it was not only innings of great ability but also of magnificent temperament.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 25, 2025
Tilak has the skills, technique and guts to stay until the end. Much improved and consistent also scoring winning runs.👏👏 #INDvsENG
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 25, 2025
Also SEE: Varun Chakravarthy cleans up Jamie Overton with a brilliant googly in the IND vs ENG 2nd T20I
