Tilak Varma was in an ominous mood with his willow in the India vs Zimbabwe Super 8 clash in Chennai. After struggling to score runs at a brisk pace at No. 3, India handed a new role to Tilak. He came out at number six for India, dazzling the Chepauk crowd with an insane unbeaten 16-ball 44-run cameo. Despite being known as a sweet timer of a ball rather than a powerhouse attacker, Tilak credited his time at the Mumbai Indians (MI) for adapting to the team’s requirements.
Tilak’s superb striking not only thrilled the entire nation of India, but a special fan of his was ecstatic as well. That fan happened to be Rebecca, the sister of Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans.
Sweet message from Tilak Varma to Evans’ sister
India had just sealed a thumping 72-run win, piling up 256/4 before restricting Zimbabwe to 184/6 to keep their semifinal hopes alive. But once the handshakes were done and the lopsided contest ended, the evening produced a moment far more memorable than any six.
Evans walked up to Tilak with a simple request. His sister was a huge admirer of the left-hander and had been pestering him for a video message.
“My sister’s a very big fan of his, so she asked if she can get a video message from him,” Brad Evans told ICC.
Tilak did not hesitate. “Hi, Rebecca. Thank you for being a big fan. It means a lot, hope to see you when I am in Zimbabwe, and your brother is amazing, he has bowled really well. But I will see you very soon, thanks once again,” Tilak Varma said in the video message.
For Evans, it was a meaningful gesture. “She actually messaged me only the other day asking for a message. She is going to be very embarrassed, but she has got the message now,” he added. It capped a contrasting day for the two players. Tilak’s 44 off 16 changed the tempo of India’s innings in the death overs, while Evans endured a tough outing, conceding 52 runs in his four overs. Yet, none of that mattered in that moment.
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