The India vs West Indies 3rd T20I clash was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, offering a spectacle of cricketing drama that had fans on the edge of their seats. With the series hanging in the balance, both teams fought tooth and nail to gain supremacy. In the end, it was India’s resolve and the brilliance of Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) that stole the show, leading India to a thrilling 7-wicket win.
Let’s have a look at India vs West Indies 3rd T20I highlights
Toss Drama
The toss proved crucial once again, as West Indies skipper Rovman Powell elected to bat first on a track that promised assistance to spinners. A delayed start due to a missing 30-yard circle added a dash of comic relief to the proceedings.
Nicholas Pooran’s Purple Patch
Nicholas Pooran continued his scintillating form, powering the West Indies with aggressive strokes and calculated aggression. His 20-ball 25 set the tone for the West Indies’ innings, as they aimed to set a competitive total.
Spin’s Dominance
The pitch’s spin-friendly nature played a pivotal role in the match. India’s spinners exploited the conditions masterfully, curbing the West Indies’ scoring rate and taking crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Axar Patel’s Brilliance
Axar Patel’s economical bowling performance further cemented his reputation as a dependable spinner. His disciplined approach led to him conceding just 24 runs in his spell, earning him the respect of both fans and critics alike.
Rovman Powell’s Counter-Attack
Skipper Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 40 off 19 balls provided the West Indies with the much-needed momentum in the death overs. His calculated aggression ensured the West Indies posted a competitive total of 159/5 in their 20 overs.
India vs West Indies 3rd T20I Recap: SKY Soars as India Clinches Thrilling Victory
India’s Chase – SKY’s Heroics
Chasing a target of 160, India’s openers struggled to establish a solid partnership. However, it was the brilliance of Suryakumar Yadav that turned the tide in India’s favor. SKY’s remarkable innings of 83 off 44 balls anchored India’s chase and showcased his ability to dominate even in challenging conditions.
SKY and Tilak Varma’s Partnership
The partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and debutant Tilak Varma was the turning point of the match. Their meticulous approach and intelligent shot selection allowed India to recover from early setbacks and gain control of the game.
India vs West Indies 3rd T20I Recap: SKY Soars as India Clinches Thrilling Victory
Rain Intervenes
The unpredictable weather added a touch of suspense to the proceedings, causing a temporary interruption. However, it did little to dampen the spirits of the players and fans.
Hardik Pandya’s Calculated Moves
Hardik Pandya’s captaincy decisions came under scrutiny, but his calculated moves, particularly in utilizing spinners during the powerplay, proved effective in curbing the West Indies’ scoring rate.
The Thrilling Finish
With the target within sight, India’s middle order held their nerves and played sensibly. An unbeaten partnership between SKY and Pandya guided India to a resounding 7-wicket victory, keeping the series alive.
India vs West Indies 3rd T20I Recap: SKY Soars as India Clinches Thrilling Victory
The India vs West Indies 3rd T20I was a match of twists and turns, showcasing the essence of T20 cricket. Suryakumar Yadav’s sublime innings, along with strong contributions from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, guided India to a memorable win. With the series level at 1-1, the stage is set for a gripping decider that promises more thrilling action and cricketing drama.
