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In a nail-biting encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory 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 and match-defining knock from Tilak Varma, who held his nerve to take India over the line with just four balls to spare. The game saw brilliant individual performances, high drama in the death overs, and a host of strategic battles, making it an unforgettable contest.
England’s innings: Jos Buttler and Brydon Carse anchor amidst middle-order woes
After being put in to bat, England posted 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a rocky start with early dismissals of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, captain Jos Buttler showcased his class with a measured 45 off 30 balls, supported by some fireworks from Brydon Carse, who smashed a quick 31 off 17 balls. Contributions from Jamie Smith (22 off 12) and Liam Livingstone (13 off 14) provided stability, but frequent wickets prevented England from capitalizing in the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel delivered impactful spells, bagging two wickets each, while the fielding effort, including a brilliant run-out of Carse, kept England’s total in check.
Also READ: Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar mock Harry Brook’s ‘smog excuse’ after Varun Chakravarthy removes the English batter in 2nd T20I – IND vs ENG
India’s chase: Tilak Varma’s masterclass under pressure
India’s chase began on a shaky note as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson fell early, leaving the team at 19/2. Captain Suryakumar Yadav‘s 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, blending caution with aggression. His innings featured four boundaries and five towering sixes, ensuring India stayed in the hunt. Washington Sundar chipped in with a vital 26 off 19 balls, while Ravi Bishnoi’s calm nine-run cameo sealed the deal in the final over. Despite disciplined bowling from Carse (3/29) and Adil Rashid (1/14), England failed to defend their total.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Ok, Tilak, that was mightily impressive! 🙌🏼
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 25, 2025
This knock from Tilak is better than 2 of his tons in SA. The responsibility he showed here was incredible. Attacked at start & then he played to the situation & guided team home. Quality knock.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) January 25, 2025
Tilak and Bishnoi today 🥵 pic.twitter.com/65pKddZEEy
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) January 25, 2025
Match winning knock ✅
Handling pressure ✅
Decision making✅
Tempo & choosing his match ups ✅✅Tilak Varma🤝🤝 #INDvsENG
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 25, 2025
In Tilak, We trust! 💪🏻 #WhistlePodu #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/FOlPexSpYH
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 25, 2025
Excellent innings from Tilak Verma. Another instance that provides testimony to his great temperament & situational awareness. A skill that is difficult to learn and far more important than other batting skills.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) January 25, 2025
Excellent innings by Tilak. Got Ind back on track from 78/5, kept his cool till the end. Taking 19 runs of the 16th over bowled by Jofra Archer was the 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 is, Tilak Varma has won it for India! 🥵🔥🔥
This man Tilak Varma alone played a crucial knock for India scoring 72 runs from 55 balls including 4 fours 5 sixes against England in the 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 showed just why he is rated so high. This from #TilakVarma was not just an innings of great ability but of magnificent temperament.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 25, 2025
Tilak has skills, technique and jazba to stay till end. Much improved and consistent also scores the winning runs.👏👏 #INDvsENG
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 25, 2025