Ranji Trophy Plate League 2024: Tilak Varma hits back-to-back centuries for Hyderabad

Hyderabad skipper Tilak Varma showcased his batting prowess with a century in their first innings during the Ranji Trophy Plate League 2024 against Sikkim at the NexGen Cricket Ground in Hyderabad on Day 2 of the ongoing Round 3 clash.

After Sikkim opted to bat first upon winning the toss, Hyderabad bowlers ran riot from the beginning, restricting the opponents to a mere total of 79 runs. Tanay Thyagarajan and Chama Milind emerged as standout performers for Hyderabad, finishing with impressive figures of 6/25 and 4/30, respectively.

Hyderabad took control early in their innings, with Rahul Singh Gahlaut and Tanmay Agarwal forming a solid opening partnership of 132 runs. Gahlaut contributed 83 runs before being dismissed, while Agarwal continued to lead the charge, eventually finishing his innings at 137.

Tilak Varma, coming in at no. 4, played a stellar innings, scoring an unbeaten 103 off just 111 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and four maximums. His outstanding performance propelled Hyderabad to a commanding total of 463. Meanwhile, Rohit Rayudu and Chandan Sahani also made significant contributions with scores of 75 and 54, respectively. In addition, Ankur Malik played a crucial role for Sikkim, taking the wickets of Gahlaut and Rayudu.

Currently, the hosts Hyderabad are on the verge of victory, as the tourists have lost six wickets already at a score of 106 in their second innings. Still behind by 278 runs, Sikkim might hand Hyderabad an innings' victory in case they fail to go past the opposition's score in the first innings. A victory would mean that Hyderabad will take home a bonus point for their dominating display against the Nilesh Lamichaney-led side.

Tilak Varma started his domestic season with a century

Tilak Varma has started his 2024 domestic season in spectacular fashion, securing a century in Round 1. The 21-year-old showcased his prowess by scoring an unbeaten 100 off 112 balls. The left-handed batter also formed an impressive 100-plus run partnership with Rahul Singh Gahlaut, who played a stunning knock of 214 off just 157 balls against Nagaland in Dimapur. Notably, Hyderabad went on to win the Round 1 game by 194 runs.

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