Samson and Tilak were involved in an unbeaten 210-run partnership during the fourth T20I.
Tilak Varma put on a show with the bat during India’s 135-run victory over South Africa in the fourth and final T20I at Johannesburg on Friday (November 15).
The lanky left-hander became only the second Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries, joining an elite list that includes Sanju Samson.
Tilak had already grabbed headlines with an unbeaten 107 in the third T20I of the series. He followed it with a scintillating 120* off just 47 balls in the fourth match. His whirlwind knock was studded with nine boundaries and 10 sixes.
Reflecting on his performance, Tilak shared a lighthearted moment: "Actually, I wanted to tell one funny thing—last year when I played here, I got out on the first ball. This innings was very crucial for the team and the series."
Speaking about his approach, the southpaw added: "I just focused on holding my shape and sticking to the basics from the last game. I stayed calm. It's an unbelievable feeling—I can't express it right now. I never imagined scoring two centuries in South Africa under challenging conditions. Thanks to our captain Surya for his support.”
Tilak Varma also opened up on his ‘flying kiss’ celebration. “As I mentioned after the last game, I was injured in recent matches, but I trust in God and my processes. That’s why I celebrated this way, dedicating it to God,” he remarked.
Besides Tilak, Sanju Samson put on a show with the bat in the fourth T20I against South Africa. The wicketkeeper-batter slammed 109* off 56 balls to propel India to a mammoth 283/1 in 20 overs.
In reply, the Proteas innings folded for 148 in 18.2 overs. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to touch the 50-run mark.
Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball for India, claiming three wickets by conceding 20 runs in his three overs. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up two scalps each while Hardik Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi and Ramandeep Singh returned with wicket apiece.
Samson has hit three hundreds from his last five T20I appearances. It was his second century in the ongoing four-match series against South Africa.
“I have had so many failures in my life, got two hundreds and then two ducks, I kept on believing in myself, kept on working hard and it came off today,” Samson stated.
Talking about his unbroken 210-run stand with Tilak, Samson said: “I have had so many partnerships with him, he is a very young prospect and he is the future of Indian cricket and lovely to have a partnership with him.”
“I don’t like to talk much, last time I talked too much I got a couple of ducks, I would like to keep it simple and focus on what I can do. [on this total] That’s what our captain was expecting from us, and we are happy we made it happen,” he added.