Tilak Varma Shines in Red-Ball Cricket...

Hyderabad youngster Tilak Varma has once again underlined his ability in red-ball cricket, guiding South Zone into the Duleep Trophy final with a superb all-round batting performance. South Zone defeated North Zone by seven wickets in the semifinal on Wednesday after chasing down a target of 181 in 43.1 overs. Tilak, who scored 116 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 51 off 79 balls, including eight boundaries, in the second innings. He added an unbeaten 80-run fourth-wicket partnership with R. Smaran (32*), while openers Ricky Bhui (42) and N. Jagadeesan (43) also made valuable contributions. Nidhish claimed five wickets for 56 runs as North Zone were bowled out for 297. Earlier, North scored 195 in the first innings, while South responded with 312. Tilak was named Player of the Match.

The India T20I vice-captain also reiterated his desire to establish himself in Test cricket. Tilak said he has enjoyed playing red-ball cricket since childhood and considers it his strongest format. He revealed that he had worked towards excelling in Tests since the age of 10, but international commitments have limited his appearances in the Ranji Trophy in recent years. Tilak said he wants to continue performing in the longer format and eventually earn a place in India’s Test side. South Zone will face East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, beginning Sunday.