A terrific win by 14 runs for India at the Holkar Stadium, Indore during the 3rd T20I… all thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s half century followed by Player of the Match Arshdeep Singh’s three wicket haul. India have taken the lead once again, 2-1 in the five-match series.

Abhishek-Ishan give India a blistering start

Abhishek-Ishan put their hands up to give India a powerful start. Abhishek was at his best yet again, right from the beginning. He notched up a quick fire 50 in just 18 balls, piercing the gaps well and smashing deliveries in his arc. A major milestone alert for Abhishek as he crossed 2000 T20I runs. Ishan Kishan at the other end supported him well, and together they stitched a 108 runs partnership. India was 87/1 at the end of the powerplay. Ishan got stumped on 37 by Shai Hope while Abhishek finally perished on 69(30).

West Indies bowlers dominate during the middle overs

The visitors struck back at crucial junctures in the contest. From 115/2 in 8.2 overs, India suddenly found themselves at 169/6 in 14.2 overs. Wickets fell quickly and West Indies made sure they did not allow any other Indian batters to settle down. Roston Chase, Keemo Paul and Gudakesh Motie were on top of their game plan. Tight spells in between, added a lot of pressure on the hosts.

Cameos from Tilak, Nitish and Axar help India cross the 200 runs mark

Tilak Varma 28(16), Nitish Reddy 21(14) and Axar Patel 20(14) chipped in with valuable cameos to propel the Men in Blue past the 200 runs mark. The trio ensured India kept the scoreboard ticking with runs, though wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

Prince Yadav 13*(6) added the finishing touch during the 20th over and those runs indeed made the difference. India was all out for 223 in 20 overs.

India on top at the half way stage, West Indies 84/3 in 10 overs

India had West Indies on the backfoot, applying the breaks from the very first over itself. The pressure kept mounting, the Men in Blue kept their bowling tight, picking timely wickets. Shai Hope was the first batter dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, while Shimron Hetmyer was bowled on 43 by our very own Naman Dhir. Rovman Powell, was also sent back to the pavilion for just five runs by Axar Patel.

Collective bowling effort seals the deal for India

India’s bowling brigade stepped up when it mattered the most, delivering a disciplined and impactful performance to help India cross the winning line. West Indies were never allowed to find their rhythm or mount a serious comeback. When the batters were looking to set it up, especially Shamar Springer 35*(11) … timely strikes from Arshdeep Singh (3/44), Naman Dhir (2/39), Nitish Reddy (1/19) and Axar Patel (1/33) helped India win the contest by 14 runs.

Brief Scores

India: 223 all out in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 69, Ishan Kishan 37; Roston Chase 2/38 won against West Indies: 209/7 in 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 43, Kamil Pooran 42; Arshdeep Singh 3/44) by 14 runs.