India’s T20I series against the Windies saw spectacular twists. Suryakumar Yadav led the charge with an extraordinary display. West Indies still maintain a 2-1 lead going into the USA leg of the five-match series. Yet, Yadav’s fascinating 83 off 44 balls boosted India’s hopes.
Pursuing the target of 160, Suryakumar’s masterful knock was sprinkled with boundary shots. His outstanding performance reaffirmed his status as the world’s number-one T20I batter. Ten fours and four sixes punctuated his display. It exemplified Suraykumar’s ability to counterattack and encouraged India’s revival.
India faced early setbacks with the departure of their openers. Suryakumar’s onslaught revitalized the innings. Moreover, it paved the way for Tilak Varma to contribute. He secured an unbeaten 49 and marked a notable stride towards victory.
As the West Indies chose to bat, they notched up a score of 159 for five, appearing formidable on the slow surface. Despite a steady drizzle during the second innings, India’s bowlers exhibited remarkable resilience. The spin attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s three wickets, was instrumental in curbing the opposition.
Because of the Providence surface conditions, West Indies captain Rovman Powell decided to bat first. India’s display on the slow turf featured nine consecutive overs of spin starting from the third over. Openers Brandon King and Kyle Mayers managed occasional boundaries in the powerplay. Still, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal limited West Indies to 38 runs in the initial six overs.
Due to a mistimed slog sweep by Axar, Mayers’ dismissal disrupted the 55-run opening partnership. Chahal and Kuldeep preyed on Johnson Charles’ sluggish innings, making steady inroads. Kuldeep’s crafty dismissed Charles after he reviewed an lbw call.
Nicholas Pooran’s entrance prompted a return to pace by India, with Hardik Pandya delivering his second over. Pooran displayed his prowess against Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin. It evoked memories of his impactful innings in the second T20IYeter. Kuldeep rallied in his final over, stumping Pooran. He also took a sharp caught-and-bowled chance to remove King.
With set batsmen eliminated, West Indies faced the final five-overs challenge. Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell’s impact revived the innings. Hetmyer’s departure in the 18th over followed by Powell’s strong performance left West Indies with a score of 159.
The chase began with the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and unfit Shubman Gill. Suryakumar Yadav’s aggressive start included a four and a six off his first two balls. It catapulted India’s momentum.
Suryakumar’s departure didn’t stop India. Tilak Varma joined the fray, mirroring Suryakumar’s flair with boundary shots. Their partnership, highlighted by a 17-run over, put India ahead of the DLS par score despite impending rain.
Suryakumar capitalized on West Indies’ struggle with a wet ball. His precise strokes and innovative shots nullified the impact of the outfield’s dampness. Later, Tilak set up a nice partnership with Hardik Pandya and sealed the triumph with 13 balls to spare. It led to India’s resurgence in the series.
