Markram’s decision to bowl first proved good as Marco Jansen scalped Sanju Samson in the first over. Thereafter, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma’s batting kept them on track, reaching 70/1 at the end of the powerplay. Sharma’s rapid half-century was cut short, and Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal left India at 110/3 midway. Despite Hardik Pandya struggling against spin, Tilak’s half-century raised India’s hopes, but he fell to Keshav Maharaj. Rinku Singh’s dismissal slowed the momentum, but debutant Ramandeep Singh made an impact with a six on his first ball, offering a glimmer of hope. Amidst this, Tilak continued his great form and scored a ton.
The unforgettable moment came on the fifth ball of the 19th over when Lutho Sipamla bowled a fuller delivery, with Varma at 96. The ball was perfectly placed in the slot, and the southpaw effortlessly lofted it down the ground. His timing was perfect as the ball raced toward mid-off for a boundary. As the ball crossed the ropes, Tilak erupted in joy, leaping into the air and removing his helmet. He then blew a flying kiss toward the dugout, with Ramandeep rushing in to embrace him in celebration of his maiden T20I century. The Mumbai Indians star looked up at the sky, thanking God, before quickly refocusing on his batting. His remarkable innings sparked a wave of praise on Twitter, with fans congratulating Tilak for his brilliant knock.
Thunderstruck ❌
Tilak-struck 💯
A superb maiden century for the stylish #TeamIndia southpaw! 🙌
Catch LIVE action from the 3rd #SAvIND T20I on #JioCinema, #Sports18, and #ColorsCineplex! 👈#JioCinemaSports #TilakVarma pic.twitter.com/L7MEfEPyY8— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 13, 2024
VVS Laxman the happiest man!
So Indian coach is applauding Tilak verma for his maiden century🔥
Hope India will defend this total easily.#SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/SSSE1Nn8Wy— Rakesh_sundarRay (@RSundarRay) November 13, 2024
Brilliant!
Remember the name!!
History created by Tilak Verma.
Maiden T20 century for 22-year-old Tilak Varma against South Africa! Pure class 🌟 He’s truly arrived ❤️— Mangleshwar Yadav (@CrickTak) November 13, 2024
Really Well Playing Tilak Verma I love My India
— Sumer Singh Gurjar (@SSGurjarBKI) November 13, 2024
Big match player!
TAKE A BOW, TILAK VERMA!!!
He smashed his maiden T20 international hundred. He scored 107 runs in just 56 Balls with 8 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 191.07 against South Africa in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/oaQ20dOYku— Niik (@Niiki099) November 13, 2024
Yeah!
Tilak Verma defeated South African bowler today Tilak Verma’s batting is very beautiful
तिलक वर्मा #TilakVarma #SAvsIND #TeamIndia @TilakV9#SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/LnLpZmXAr5— Naresh Rana (सनातनी) 🇮🇳 (@Rana009) November 13, 2024
Good things happen to good people 🇮🇳💗#SAvsIND #CricketTwitter #BGT2025 #WTC25 #BGT2024 #TeamIndia #TilakVerma #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/hipZXTJCh9
— COVER DRIVE (@RINKUSINGH42465) November 13, 2024
He is everyone’s fav today!