Tilak Varma’s brilliant 94 stood out in the second List A match between India A and Australia A. He fought hard to keep the innings alive, but his effort was not enough as the visitors chased down the revised target with ease to level the series 1-1.
India A Struggle Early
Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck and skipper Shreyas Iyer managed only 8 runs. At 17 for 3, India A were in deep trouble. Tilak Varma entered at a critical stage, showing calmness and maturity to stabilise the innings.
Tilak and Parag Rescue Innings
Tilak batted for 122 balls, hitting 5 fours and 4 sixes. With Riyan Parag, who scored 58 from 54 balls, he built a crucial 101-run stand. This partnership pulled India A out of collapse and gave the innings much-needed balance.
Lower Order Support
After Parag’s dismissal, Tilak kept the scoreboard moving. He stitched useful partnerships with Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh. Falling just six short of a century, he took India A to 246. Jack Edwards starred for Australia A with 4 wickets.
Rain Changes the Game
A three-hour rain break shifted momentum. The target was cut to 160 in 25 overs with Australia already 48 without loss. The chase became easier under DLS conditions, leaving India A with little room to fight back.
Australia’s Aggressive Chase
Jake Fraser-McGurk hammered 36 off 20 balls for a quick start. After his dismissal, McKenzie Harvey (70* off 49) and Cooper Connolly (50 off 31) dominated. They finished the chase in 16.4 overs, punishing India’s bowlers with 22 fours and 6 sixes.
Silver Lining for India A
Despite the loss, Tilak’s knock stood out. From his “retired out” IPL moment with Mumbai Indians to a match-winning Asia Cup final against Pakistan, he has shown consistent growth. His 94 against Australia A reflected his maturity and temperament.
Selectors Watching Closely
Tilak, along with Abhishek Sharma, is seen as a long-term ODI option. With the senior team preparing for the upcoming Australia series, his name remains in contention. The decider now awaits, with Australia holding the momentum but India banking on Tilak’s form as their biggest positive.
