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"Haven’t enjoyed batting like this": Pakistan greats in awe as Tilak anchors India’s Asia Cup win

Rajgeeta Yadav

Tilak Varma gets praised [Source: AFP and @SharryNair/X]Tilak Varma gets praised [Source: AFP and @SharryNair/X]

Tilak Varma announced himself on the big stage with a match-winning innings against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Final. Usually seen as Suryakumar Yadav’s backup in India’s T20 side, the young left-hander showed remarkable calm under pressure and guided India to victory in a tense chase.

Chasing 147, India was in trouble when Tilak took charge. He built important partnerships in the middle overs, kept the scoreboard moving, and held one end steady even as wickets fell around him. His composure and smart shot selection proved to be the difference as India crossed the finish line to win the title.

Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf heap rare praise for Tilak Varma

The knock left Pakistan’s former greats both impressed and a little envious, especially given their own middle order’s struggles.

On PTV Sports, ex-allrounder Shoaib Malik couldn’t stop praising Tilak:

“He played such a solid knock in a final of the tournament. Bohot time baad aisi innings dekh ke mazaa aaya middle order batsman ki. (After a long time I enjoyed watching a middle order inning of any batsman)." 

Another Pakistan legend, Mohammad Yousuf, echoed the admiration on ARY News.

“Tilak Varma is such a skilful player. The way he batted under pressure – this is what is real talent. Here (in Pakistan) we call a player talent if he hits two big sixes. I have said it before, we in our country have love for the game but not (cricketing) sense. You have to understand the game.”

Notably, Tilak first added 57 runs with Sanju Samson (24), but the game-changing stand came with Shivam Dube, who smashed 33 off 22 balls. Their 60-run partnership in just 40 deliveries swung the match India’s way. Tilak finished unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, sealing the win with a classy six against Haris Rauf in the last over. Rinku Singh, playing his first Asia Cup match, then hit the winning runs.

Thanks to Tilak’s composed half-century, India chased down 147 to beat Pakistan by five wickets in Dubai on September 28.