Christchurch witnessed one of the most thrilling T20I matches on Saturday. Indian batter Tilak Varma continued his sensational record in run chases, pulling off a stunning death-overs acceleration to seal a memorable win against New Zealand in the second T20I during a tense 181-run chase. With this performance, Tilak, despite occasional wobbles, reaffirmed his status as one of India’s most exciting batters in run chases and during the slog overs.
With India down and out at 70/5 at one stage while chasing 181, Tilak put together a 42-run stand with fellow Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate Naman Dhir, reviving hope in the dressing room, before building on that momentum with Nitish Kumar Reddy. The duo stitched together a 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
India coach Gautam Gambhir was super proud after the match. “Boys becoming men,” he wrote.
“Boys becoming Men” https://t.co/aERUY0BqPo
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 24, 2026
From the 16th over to the final over, Tilak scored 41 runs off just 17 balls. He went from 10 off nine balls to an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls. In the 18th over, he collected two fours off Jacob Duffy before smashing Nathan Smith for three fours and a six in the next over, scoring 18 runs. With 11 needed off the final over, Tilak began with a boundary, setting the tone for a successful chase of a target that had looked like a mountain to climb at one point.
In overs 16-20 in T20s this year, Tilak has been absolutely exceptional, scoring 470 runs off 203 balls at a strike rate of 231.52, with 32 fours and 37 sixes and a boundary percentage of 33.99. He has been dismissed 10 times during this phase.
During successful run chases, Tilak has scored 533 runs in 21 matches and 19 innings at an average of 76.14 and a strike rate of 130, with four fifties and a best score of 72*.
The left-hander has thrived in the middle-order role since taking it up during this year’s T20 World Cup. Despite some inconsistent performances, including while batting at his preferred No. 3 position, Tilak has provided power and intelligence in the middle order. This year, batting at Nos. 5 to 7, he has scored 600 runs in 25 matches and 24 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of 166.66, with five fifties.
Overall, in T20Is this year, Tilak has scored 715 runs in 32 matches and 31 innings at an average of 37.63 and a strike rate of more than 153, with five fifties and a best score of 60*.
