Tilak Varma has quickly become one of India’s most exciting young batting all-rounders, and his performances against South Africa in T20Is continue to be one of the most talked-about storylines in recent India–SA encounters.
From his early knocks in 2023 to his explosive hundreds in 2024 and his latest gritty innings in the 1st T20I at Cuttack, Tilak has consistently shown that he enjoys the challenge of facing South Africa’s quicks. His aggressive stroke-making, calm temperament, and flexibility in the middle order make him a crucial part of India’s T20I setup.
Below is the latest, complete, and easy-to-read breakdown of Tilak Varma’s T20I record vs South Africa — including match-by-match runs, strike rates, progressive averages, and updated stats after the 1st T20I on 9 December 2025.
Tilak Varma’s T20I Record vs South Africa (Updated Overall)
Tilak has now played 10 innings in T20Is against South Africa.
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Innings Played | 10 |
| Total Runs | 496 runs |
| Highest Score | 120* |
| Hundreds | 2 (107 & 120) |
| Average | 70.85 |
| Strike Rate | 163.15 |
| Batting Positions | Mostly No. 3 & No. 4 |
Highlight: Tilak Varma is one of the few Indian batters with back-to-back T20I hundreds vs South Africa.
T20I vs South Africa – Updated Match-by-Match Performance Timeline
Including his latest knock at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
| Runs | Balls | SR | Venue | Date | Batting Position | How Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 20 | 145.00 | St George’s Park | 12 Dec 2023 | 3 | c Jansen b Coetzee |
| 0 | 1 | 0.00 | Wanderers Stadium | 14 Dec 2023 | 3 | c Markram b Maharaj |
| 33 | 18 | 183.33 | Kingsmead | 08 Nov 2024 | 4 | c Jansen b Maharaj |
| 20 | 20 | 100.00 | St George’s Park | 10 Nov 2024 | 4 | c Miller b Markram |
| 107 | 56 | 191.07 | SuperSport Park | 13 Nov 2024 | 3 | not out |
| 120 | 47 | 255.32 | Wanderers Stadium | 15 Nov 2024 | 3 | not out |
| 26 | 32 | 81.25 | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 09 Dec 2025 | 4 | c Marco Jansen b Lungi Ngidi |
| 62 | 34 | 182.35 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium | 11 Dec 2025 | 5 | c Markram b Ngidi |
| 26* | 34 | 76.47 | Dharamsala | 14 Dec 2025 | 3 | Not Out |
| 73 | 42 | 173.80 | Ahmedabad | 19 Dec 2025 | 3 | de Kock b Baartman |
Key Observations
- Tilak’s last 3 innings include two unbeaten hundreds and a stabilizing 26 off 32 in 2025.
- He continues to dominate SA spinners and pacers alike despite varied situations.
- His strike rate remains high even after adding a slower rebuilding innings in Cuttack.
Like to know? Most Dangerous Batsman in the World
Tilak Varma’s Progressive T20I Stats vs South Africa (Updated)
Updated progressive stats after the 1st T20I on 9 December 2025.
| Innings | Total Runs | Total Balls | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After 1st inning | 29 | 20 | 29.00 | 145.00 |
| After 2nd inning | 29 | 21 | 14.50 | 138.10 |
| After 3rd inning | 62 | 39 | 20.67 | 158.97 |
| After 4th inning | 82 | 59 | 20.50 | 138.98 |
| After 5th inning | 189 | 115 | 47.25 | 164.35 |
| After 6th inning | 309 | 162 | 77.25 | 190.74 |
| After 7th inning | 335 | 194 | 55.83 | 173.98 |
| After 8th inning | 397 | 228 | 66.16 | 174.12 |
| After 9th inning | 423 | 262 | 70.50 | 161.45 |
Tilak Varma T20I Hundreds vs South Africa
Tilak has two international T20I hundreds — both unforgettable knocks against South Africa.
1. 107 (56 balls) – SuperSport Park (13 Nov 2024)
- SR: 191.07
- Classy, controlled, and destructive finish
- Marked his arrival as a world-class T20 batter
2. 120* (47 balls) – Wanderers (15 Nov 2024)
- SR: 255.32
- One of the most aggressive T20I hundreds ever by an Indian
- Dominated both pace and spin throughout
Tilak Varma Bowling Stats vs South Africa (T20I)
Tilak has bowled sparingly in T20Is vs South Africa.
| Overs | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 0 | 4 | 4.00 |
Although used rarely, he remains a handy part-time off-spinner.
Why Tilak Varma Dominates South Africa
1. Plays spin and pace equally well
SA bowlers like Maharaj, Markram, Jansen, and Coetzee have repeatedly struggled to contain him.
2. Strong presence at No. 3
His biggest knocks — including both centuries — came at No. 3, the position that best suits his natural rhythm.
3. High match temperament
Tilak’s temperament is evident from his unbeaten centuries and controlled innings under pressure.
4. Explosive finishing skills
His SR of 255 in the 120* knock highlights the raw power he brings to the lower-middle overs.
Tilak Varma vs South Africa – Updated Summary Table
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 10 innings |
| Total Runs | 496 |
| Average | 70.85 |
| Strike Rate | 163.15 |
| Hundreds | 2 |
| 50+ Scores | 2 tons |
| Highest Score | 120* |
| Best Bowling | 0/4 |
Final View
Tilak Varma’s growth against South Africa in T20Is remains remarkable. From modest beginnings in 2023 to explosive hundreds in 2024 and a solid knock in the 2025 opener, he continues to prove why India trusts him in big games.
Like to know? India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Records
With an average above 55 and a strike rate above 170, Tilak Varma has established himself as one of the most dangerous young middle-order batters against South Africa. If he continues this trajectory, he could soon become one of India’s most impactful T20I match-winners.
