India lost the series-opening T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, but Tilak Varma enjoyed a memorable debut both with the bat and in the field. The youngster sprinted a fair few yards to take an excellent catch that brought an end to Johnson Charles’ knock before getting his international career off to a promising start with an attractive 39 off 22 balls.
Five overs into India’s chase, West Indies’ manageable total of 149/6 began to look far more imposing as the visitors lost both their openers cheaply. Akeal Hosein beat Shubman Gill in the air and had him stumped in the third over while Ishan Kishan fell prey to a slower one from Obed McCoy, mistiming a heave to mid-on in the fifth over.
Suryakumar Yadav might be learning the ropes when it comes to the ODI format but T20s continue to be his forte. He started off with a straight drive and a cut over deep point for a four and a six. complementing him brilliantly was debutant Varma who had ice running through his veins as he got off the mark with a disdainful six over deep mid-wicket off an Alzarri Joseph ball delivered at 143kmph. The youngster produced an encore moments later, with the ball flying over deep square leg this time around.
The left-right combo took India to 66/2 in 9 overs and put the tourists in a fairly comfortable position despite Hosein’s frugal operation. However, West Indies bowled commendably in the second half to take the game away from India.
A promising debut for Tilak Varma. Departs after a strong knock!#INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/oVIa56BPWv
— FanCode (@FanCode) August 3, 2023
