Tilak Varma has quickly become one of India’s most exciting young batting all-rounders, and his rise against South Africa in T20Is is one of the biggest stories in recent India–SA cricket battles.
From his early knocks in 2023 to his explosive centuries in 2024, Tilak has shown that he loves performing against South Africa’s pace-heavy attack. His fearless stroke-making, ability to dominate both spinners and fast bowlers, and his growing maturity have made him a crucial middle-order asset.
Here is the complete, updated, easy-to-read breakdown of Tilak Varma’s T20I record vs South Africa — including match-by-match runs, strike rates, progressive averages, and bowling numbers.
Tilak Varma’s T20I Record vs South Africa (Overall)
Tilak has played 6 innings in T20Is against South Africa
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Innings Played | 6 |
| Total Runs | 309 runs (progressive) |
| Highest Score | 120* |
| Hundreds | 2 (107* & 120*) |
| Average | 77.25 (progressive after 6 inns) |
| Strike Rate | 190.74 (progressive) |
| Batting Positions | Mostly No. 3 & No. 4 |
Highlight: Tilak Varma is one of the very few Indian batters to score back-to-back T20I hundreds vs South Africa.
Tilak Varma T20I vs South Africa – Match-by-Match Performance Timeline
Below is the full ball-by-ball statistical record.
| 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 |
Key Observations
- Tilak’s last two innings were 107* and 120* — both unbeaten hundreds.
- His strike rate jumped from 138 → 164 → 190+ as his career progressed.
- Huge improvement from his early innings (29 & 0) to dominating SA in 2024.
Like to know? Most Dangerous Batsman in the World
Tilak Varma’s Progressive T20I Stats vs South Africa
Tilak’s progressive batting numbers, which show a dramatic rise:
| 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 |
What this shows:
- Tilak went from averaging 14.50 early → to 77.25 after just six innings.
- Strike rate surged from 138 → 190+, showing rapid improvement.
Tilak Varma T20I Hundreds vs South Africa
Tilak has two international T20I hundreds, both against South Africa:
1. 107* (56 balls) – SuperSport Park (13 Nov 2024)
- SR: 191.07
- Controlled innings + explosive finish
- Announced himself as a world-class middle-order batter
2. 120* (47 balls) – Wanderers (15 Nov 2024)
- SR: 255.32
- One of the fastest and most aggressive international hundreds
- Pure domination against pace and spin
Tilak Varma Bowling Stats vs South Africa (T20I)
He has bowled only once vs South Africa:
| Overs | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 0 | 4 | 4.00 |
Although his bowling role is limited, 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 struggled to contain him.
2. Strength at No. 3
Most of his big knocks came at position 3, which suits his natural game.
3. Match temperament
His unbeaten hundreds show:
- Composure
- Shot selection
- Ability to control the chase or build an innings
4. Explosive finishing
His SR of 255 in the 120* knock highlights his finishing ability.
Tilak Varma vs South Africa – Summary Table
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 6 innings |
| Total Runs | 309 |
| Average | 77.25 |
| Strike Rate | 190.74 |
| Hundreds | 2 |
| 50+ Scores | 2 tons |
| Highest Score | 120* |
| Best Bowling | 0/4 |
Final View
Tilak Varma’s rise against South Africa in T20Is has been remarkable. From modest beginnings in 2023, he exploded into form in 2024 with back-to-back hundreds, showcasing his potential as India’s next long-term white-ball star.
Like to know? India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Records
His average above 75, strike rate near 190, and fearless approach make him one of the most dangerous middle-order batters against South Africa today.
If he continues this form, Tilak could soon become one of India’s most impactful T20I performers in overseas conditions.
