Tilak Varma produced one of the moments of the evening in Cuttack during the IND vs SA 1st T20I, smashing an 89-metre monster six off Anrich Nortje that quite literally left the stadium. Nortje bowled a fraction short on off-stump and Tilak, reading it early, hung back and launched a ferocious swipe over deep square leg. The ball sailed high, bounced onto the stadium roof, and then disappeared outside the venue, prompting a rare mid-over delay.
With no chance of retrieving it quickly, the umpires were forced to call for a ball change, and the fourth umpire walked in carrying a box of replacement balls. The strike not only lifted India’s scoring rate but also showcased Tilak’s growing confidence at the crease as he moved into the 20s, helping India rebuild after early wickets left the scoreboard at 69/3 in 9.3 overs.
The crowd erupted, replay screens lit up with the 89-metre reading, and Nortje could only walk back with a slight smile — a bowler beaten by raw power. Tilak’s shot remains one of the standout highlights of the match, underlining his reputation as one of India’s most exciting young ball-strikers.
