Tilak Varma records third successive 50-plus score in First-Class cricket
What's the story
East Zone dominated the proceedings against South Zone on Day 3 of the 2026 Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. After compiling 708 in the first innings, they restricted South Zone to 242/6 in 80 overs. South Zone still trail by 466 runs, but Tilak Varma returned unbeaten after scoring a half-century. This was his third successive 50-plus score in First-Class cricket.
Match progress
South Zone lose a wicket
South Zone's N Jagadeesan began the third day on a positive note, scoring two boundaries off Mukesh Kumar's first over.
However, Ricky Bhui was dismissed in the sixth over. Devdutt Padikkal and Jagadeesan then added over 60 runs for the second wicket.
Padikkal remained unfazed and built another partnership with Shaik Rasheed. However, Mohammed Shami dismissed Rasheed, leaving South Zone at 126/3.
Mukesh Kumar then removed Padikkal two overs later.
Resilient stand
Tilak, Gopal show fight in final session
Tilak and Smaran Ravichandran tried to steady the ship with a 45-run partnership. However, Ravichandran was dismissed after an unsuccessful drive off Shami's bowling.
In the final session, Tilak showed grit and had an able partner in Shreyas Gopal. The duo batted cautiously against spinners.
Just before stumps, Gopal hit a well-tossed delivery straight back to bowler Quraishi, ending their partnership at 123 balls.
Knock
Tilak falls short of his century
Tilak resumed on 56 (133) the next day, moving toward his ton. He added 78 runs for the seventh wicket with Chama V Milind.
Shikhar Mohan found a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Milind thereafter.
Although South Zone lost successive wickets, Tilak looked determined to propel them. However, his stay ended with a soft dismissal to Md Kounain Quraishi.
Tilak fell one run short, managing 99 off 211 balls (9 fours).
Twitter Post
WATCH: Tilak misses his ton
HEARTBREAK FOR TILAK 🥹💔
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 9, 2026
All the East Zone players including Captain Ishan, Sooryavanshi and whole Chepauk crowd appreciated Tilak for his 99 runs. pic.twitter.com/NU3b6Ijtfg
Score
A look at his numbers
Tilak scored 116 and 51* against North Zone in the 2026 Duleep semi-final. He continued his form in the final.
According to Cricinfo, Tilak raced to his seventh half-century in First-Class cricket. He also has eight tons, making his conversion outstanding.
The 23-year-old left-handed batter now has 1,828 runs from 25 red-ball games (38 innings) at an incredible average of over 55.