Tilak Varma continued his phenomenal form with a record-breaking knock in Hyderabad’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25 campaign opener against Meghalaya. Playing at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C in Rajkot, the 22-year-old smashed 151 runs off 67 balls, etching his name in T20 cricket history as the first batter to score three consecutive centuries in the format.
A Record-Breaking Innings from Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma’s innings made him the first batter in T20 history to score three consecutive centuries. He had previously scored 107 not out against South Africa in Centurion and followed it with an unbeaten 120 in Johannesburg. His latest feat against Meghalaya further solidifies his reputation as one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket.
With his 151-run innings, Varma surpassed the previous highest score in SMAT history, held by Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer, who scored 147 runs against Sikkim in 2019. For Hyderabad, Varma’s score also broke his own record of 121 runs, which he set in the previous edition of the tournament.
A Knock for the Ages
Promoted to No. 3, Varma wasted no time making his mark. Walking in during the first over after the early dismissal of Rahul Singh Gahlaut, he anchored Hyderabad’s innings with his breathtaking stroke play.
His 151-run knock was laced with 14 fours and 10 sixes, striking at an incredible 225.37. He shared a 122-run partnership with opener Tanmay Agarwal, who contributed a quickfire 55 off 23 balls.
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After Agarwal’s dismissal, Varma found support in Buddhi Rahul, who added 30 runs from 23 balls. Varma lost his wicket on the final ball of the innings, but his heroics powered Hyderabad to their highest-ever SMAT total of 248/4, which ranks as the fifth-highest in the tournament’s history.
Hyderabad’s Bowling Dominates Meghalaya
Hyderabad’s bowlers complemented their batting effort with a clinical performance. Meghalaya, chasing a daunting 249, were bowled out for a mere 69 in 15.1 overs.
G Anikethreddy led the charge, claiming four wickets for just 11 runs. Tanay Thyagarajan also shone with figures of 3/15. Only Arpit Shubhas (27) and Jaskirat (16) managed double-digit scores for Meghalaya.
Hyderabad’s massive 179-run victory equals the record for the largest margin of victory in SMAT history. The previous instance was Andhra Pradesh’s win over Nagaland by the same margin in 2019.
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