The pulsating battle saw at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, actually turned out to be India’s two-wicket triumph over England in the T20I series by taking the latter to a 2-0 lead. Here, it has been a battle of grits and resilience, but individual brilliance emerged as Tilak Varma came out to anchor a nerve-wracking chase for 166 by India.

England was allowed to bat and, with a very good competitive total of 165 for 9 in 20 overs, batted out. Jos Buttler batted calmly to score 45 runs, while Brydon Carse came in at the end and injected some momentum with a brisk 31 off just 17 balls. India’s bowlers did not let the English get away, and were led by Varun Chakravarthy who picked up important wickets at crucial moments. It was not a great start for India with wickets coming in very early stages of the game putting lots of pressure on them, but regular blows apart, there was always a quiet hero who finally emerged in Tilak Varma. Being quite, utterly calm and composed under pressure, the unbeaten 72 off 55 balls came with crucial boundaries and singles against the middle and lower order to keep India in this game. It was his first fifty for India in the T20I

However, the English bowling machinery had always been threateningly close till the game went to the wire. With 12 runs needed off the last over, Tilak came to life and sent Jofra Archer for two crucial boundaries that settled the match with four balls to spare. This victory has revealed the depth of India as well as brought a bright star to light, namely Tilak Varma, who was expected to perform under pressure. England showed much fight, but they still have to win all the remaining games to level the series.

The third T20I Is at Rajkot. England will look for a chance to bounce back and keep hope alive for the series, but for India, it’s the chance to carry forward winning momentum.