Tilak Varma vs Sri Lanka: Unlucky! Tilak Varma Creates Rare Record After Staying Unbeaten on 49 Again in T20Is

Team India’s batting display against Sri Lanka in the final Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2025 had plenty of fireworks. India crossed the 200-run mark for the first time in this edition of the tournament, thanks to stellar knocks from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. While Abhishek dazzled with a blazing half-century, Tilak Varma played a responsible and composed innings. Yet, his knock made headlines not just for his contribution, but because of a rare and unfortunate record he created in international cricket.

Tilak Varma’s Unlucky Moment

Batting at number four, Tilak Varma looked in sublime touch. On a track that favored stroke play at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, he crafted an unbeaten 49 off 34 balls, laced with four fours and a six. Throughout his stay at the crease, Tilak rotated the strike smartly and anchored India’s innings at crucial junctures.

In the final over, Tilak had the perfect opportunity to bring up his maiden Asia Cup fifty. But in a selfless move, he chose to keep Axar Patel on strike so that India could accelerate and cross the 200-run milestone. As a result, Tilak remained stranded on 49, just one run short of what could have been a memorable half-century.

A Record Nobody Wants

This is not the first time Tilak Varma has suffered such heartbreak. Back in 2023, during a T20 International against the West Indies, he had also remained unbeaten on 49. With this latest innings against Sri Lanka, Tilak has now become the first batsman in T20I history to remain unbeaten on 49 twice.

It’s a rare and unwanted record, as no other player in world cricket has ever experienced this unusual fate more than once. Cricket fans expressed both sympathy and admiration for Tilak, praising his team-first attitude, even as he missed out on personal glory.

India Post 202 in First Innings

Earlier, India were put into bat after losing the toss, but they made full use of the conditions. Abhishek Sharma gave the team a flying start with a whirlwind 61 off 31 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes. His aggressive batting put immediate pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers.

After Sharma’s departure, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson carried forward the momentum. Samson added a quick-fire 39 from 23 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking. In the death overs, Tilak’s steady approach combined with Axar Patel’s unbeaten 21 off 15 balls ensured India finished strongly at 202/5 in 20 overs.

Why Tilak’s Knock Stands Out

While Tilak Varma may not have a half-century to his name in this match, his innings was vital in stabilizing India’s middle order. His ability to adapt—shifting gears when needed and supporting his partners—demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Moreover, his decision to prioritize the team total over personal milestones earned him praise from former cricketers and fans alike.