Ranji Trophy 2024: Tilak Varma slams his second First-Class century
Hyderabad captain Tilak Varma started his 2024 Ranji Trophy campaign with an authoritative century against Nagaland on Day 1 at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium. Notably, this is Varma's second First-Class century as he reached the milestone in 112 deliveries. He hammered four maximums and six boundaries to reach the triple-figure mark. Varma's century powered Hyderabad's total to 474/5d in the first innings.
A captain's knock from Varma
The youngster came to the crease when Tanmay Agarwal was dismissed after setting a brilliant 235-run platform along with Rahul Singh Gahlaut. Varma also stitched a crucial 118-run stand with Rahul at a brisk pace before the latter departed after reaching his double ton. He added 46 and 40*-run partnerships with Chandan Shahani and Ravi Teja respectively. Varma remained unbeaten on 100.
A look at Varma's First-Class numbers
Varma made his First-Class debut for Hyderabad in December 2018. However the 21-year-old, recently made his presence felt and was elected as captain for this season. Overall, he has amassed 673 runs in 11 First-Class matches at an average above 38. Besides two centuries, he has also smashed three fifties in this format. Varma made his ODI and T20I debut for India in 2023.
A summary of the Hyderabad innings
Hyderabad suffered a major setback early on as they lost Rohit Rayudu but Agarwal and Rahul's 227-run stand placed them firmly in this encounter. Later, Varma and Rahul added 118 runs as Rahul slammed a career-best 214. Varma slammed a magnificent century as Hyderabad declared for 474/5. Karan Tewatiya, Nagaho Chishi, Khrievitso Kense, Imliwati Lemtur and Rongsen Jonathan claimed a wicket each for Nagaland.
