Mumbai Indians

What an evening it turned out for West Indies, as they chased down their highest T20I score winning by six wickets against India at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. It was Hope and Rutherford who ensured the Windies came back strongly. The run fest in Ranchi ended with 501 runs. 

The Sanju Samson storm strikes, Ishan-Sanju’s vital partnership

A complete Sanju Samson show in the middle…and India’s scoreboard kept racing with runs. Pure class, timing, fireworks and an outstanding 82(41), laced with nine fours and fours sixes made the fans go berserk. He calculated his shots in the middle, pierced the gaps well and cleared the ropes when an opportunity arose. He looked in complete control, keeping the Windies bowlers under pressure. India finished their powerplay with 79/1. He was well supported by Ishan Kishan who contributed 43(22). Together they stitched a 97 runs partnership which eventually helped India maintain their high run rate.

Skipper Shreyas leads the way, Tilak adds the finishing touches

Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma together turned up the heat in Ranchi. Carrying forward his brilliant form, Shreyas produced a stellar knock once again leading the way. He smashed 40 in just 18 balls and the West Indies found themselves on the backfoot.

Tilak on the other end added his own zing and spark with fearless display of clean hitting. He shifted gears when necessary and smashed three consecutive sixes during the 20th over. TV made every ball count and ensured the momentum stayed firmly with India. He made his bat do all the talking and remained unbeaten on 44(18), laced with three fours and three sixes. Together, they stitched an 83 runs stand which helped India notch up 249/5 in 20 overs. 

Mayank applies the breaks in the first over

A great move from skipper Iyer paid off, bowling Mayank Yadav in the very first over itself. He grabbed two consecutive wickets in the form of Kamil Pooran and the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer who was bowled for a golden duck. At this stage, the visitors were in trouble at 5/2 in 0.4 overs.

Rutherford’s 84, Hope’s stylish ton help West Indies cross the winning line

Power hitting at its best and what a night it turned into as a flurry of big hits went out of the park. Sherfane Rutherford and skipper Shai Hope steadied the ship, bringing their batting innings on track. Both complimented each other in the middle, smashing the ball all over the park. The chase was indeed on…. with both these star batters looking extremely dangerous. A 120 runs partnership had West Indies believing something special was just around the corner. Rutherford was later caught on 84(37) by Sanju Samson. Skipper Hope ensured he remained unbeaten till the end, with an outstanding 102 in 45 balls, six fours and nine sixes.

The visitors chased it down easily, making 252/4 in 18.3 overs, thus winning the match by six wickets.

Brief Scores

India: 249/5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 82, Tilak Varma 44*, Shreyas Iyer 40; Roston Chase 3/24) lost to West Indies: 252/4 in 18.3 overs (Shai Hope 102*, Sherfane Rutherford 84; Mayank Yadav 3/36) by six wickets.