Brandon King and bowlers set up a convincing victory in the decisive game: IND vs WI 5th T20I
West Indies delivered a dominant performance in the fifth T20I against India, securing an eight-wicket victory at Lauderhill. Brandon King showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 85 runs, aided by a century partnership with Nicholas Pooran. The West Indies bowlers displayed excellent discipline, stifling India’s batting lineup and taking crucial wickets towards the end of their innings. Despite India’s strong start that threatened to set a score above 180, West Indies smoothly chased down the target with two overs to spare. This triumph marked West Indies’ first-ever win in a five-match T20I series against India.
India’s momentum faced some setbacks with a few rain delays, but Suryakumar remained relentless in his pursuit. Unfortunately, he didn’t receive adequate support from the other players. Sanju Samson showed promise initially but, as is often the case, carelessly lost his wicket at a critical moment.
The Indian captain provided valuable support to Suryakumar as they both batted deep into the innings. The team was starting to regain momentum with the final overs approaching, but Hardik got out while trying to increase the scoring rate. He had been playing carefully until then, giving most of the strike to his partner who was already doing well. After hitting a six off Romario Shepherd’s ball, he unfortunately lost his wicket on the next delivery.
Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder displayed their bowling prowess, preventing India from gaining momentum in the final overs. Although there was a blip in the 20th over when Axar Patel smacked a powerful shot and Pooran made a wicket-keeping error, overall, West Indies showcased exceptional skills in death bowling, restricting India to a substandard total.
Kyle Mayers showed his aggressive approach by taking on Hardik Pandya in the first over, scoring 11 runs. However, his innings was cut short by Arshdeep Singh in the pacer’s opening over. This wicket provided India with the boost they needed to defend their below-average score.
How it began
In contrast to the previous game where Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill performed exceptionally well, they were unable to replicate their success in this match. Both batsmen were dismissed by Akeal Hosain, who bowled a skillful opening spell with his left-arm spin. Jaiswal’s dismissal was rather disappointing as he handed a simple catch back to the bowler, while Gill was given out LBW after missing an attempted sweep shot. Interestingly, had Gill chosen to review the decision, he would have been saved.
The counter-punch from Tilak and SKY
Throughout this series, Tilak has consistently demonstrated his composure on the grand stage and his inclination to attack regardless of the circumstances. While Suryakumar Yadav was dominating in the PowerPlay, it was Tilak who significantly shifted the momentum by dismantling Alzarri Joseph in the sixth over. West Indies’ top pacemaker conceded 19 runs in his first over alone, including three boundaries and a six.
A moment of brilliance ends Tilak’s stay
Roston Chase’s exceptional performance proved to be the turning point that disrupted the left-hander’s game. With skillful precision, he tempted Tilak into an uppish drive and executed a breathtaking full-stretch dive to his right in his follow-through, securing a remarkable catch. This pivotal moment provided West Indies with the much-needed respite, as the partnership had been posing a significant threat.
SKY motors along amidst wickets
Despite a couple of rain delays disrupting India’s momentum, Suryakumar remained unstoppable as he confidently played his shots. However, he didn’t receive the necessary support from his teammates. Sanju Samson started off promisingly but unfortunately, in line with his tendency, he carelessly gave away his wicket at a crucial moment.
SKY, Hardik set up the platform
The Indian captain provided valuable support to Suryakumar as they batted through the innings. Just as the visitors were trying to regain momentum in the final overs, Hardik made an aggressive move but unfortunately got out while attempting to increase the run rate. He had played cautiously until that over, allowing his well-established partner to take most of the strike. After hitting a six off Romario Shepherd’s bowling, he lost his wicket on the very next ball.
A dramatic collapse towards the tail-end
Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder displayed their bowling prowess, preventing India from gaining momentum in the closing stages of the game. Although India managed to score 16 runs in the 20th over, courtesy of Axar Patel’s powerful shot and a mistake by Pooran as wicket-keeper, West Indies’ death bowlers performed exceptionally well overall. Their excellent performance limited India to a below-average total.
Roller-coaster start to the chase
Kyle Mayers wasted no time in announcing his intentions, going after Hardik from the first over and scoring 11 runs. However, his aggressive batting was short-lived as Arshdeep Singh dismissed him in his very first over. This was exactly what India needed to boost their chances of defending a score that was clearly below expectations.
A partnership masterclass from King and Pooran
India’s excitement at taking an early wicket against Mayers quickly turned to disappointment as King dominated the bowling attack with his impressive footwork and aggressive intent. Pooran was equally relentless, leaving India’s bowlers with no respite. They scored 61 runs in the PowerPlay, effectively securing a strong position in the match despite rain interruptions. Even Hardik’s introduction of wrist spinners in the early overs couldn’t change their fortunes.
Pooran falls after a rain break
RephraseIndia finally managed to end the partnership with the help of Tilak, who bowled part-time spin. However, it was too late for the visiting team as they had very few runs left to defend. King and Shai Hope then smoothly completed the chase without any difficulties. India scored 165 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav hitting 61 runs. Romario Shepherd took 4 wickets for West Indies, while Akeal Hosain claimed 2 wickets for his team. In response, West Indies successfully chased
