Suryakumar Yadav’s relentless onslaught crushed West Indies’ aspirations to seal the five-match T20I series before relocating to the United States.
His blistering 83 off 44 deliveries proved pivotal in India’s commanding seven-wicket victory while chasing down 159/5.
Partnered by Tilak Varma, who sustained his momentum from the previous game with an undefeated 49 off 37, Suryakumar’s heroic performance ensured India’s triumph.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma commenced their mission after debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early departure on the fifth ball of the first over. Jaiswal misjudged a slower ball from Obed McCoy, presenting an opportunity for Suryakumar to showcase his aggressive intent.
He promptly struck a boundary over mid-wicket, followed by a powerful six over square leg. Displaying his finesse, he elegantly sliced a ball from Akeal Hosein over point for another four.
In the PowerPlay, West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph dismissed Shubman Gill, but the entrance of Tilak Varma maintained India’s momentum.
Varma emulated Suryakumar’s ferocity by launching his first two deliveries for consecutive boundaries. A final-over assault on McCoy propelled India to 60/2 at the end of the PowerPlay.
Suryakumar’s brilliance endured as he reached his half-century in just 23 balls. Unfazed by a drizzle, he exhibited exquisite strokeplay, consistently finding gaps.
Even Romario Shepherd’s change of pace failed to contain him. Suryakumar’s innovative shots, including audacious hits over fine leg and backward point, propelled India to a comfortable 97/2 in 10 overs.
Suryakumar’s urgency to secure India’s series hopes kept them ahead of the DLS par score, should rain intervene more substantially. His march towards a potential century was halted when he fell victim to an innocuous leg side ball, directing it straight into the hands of Brandon King at fine leg.
After Suryakumar’s departure, Tilak Varma seized control, ensuring a smooth finish to the chase. Varma, falling just short of a successive T20I fifty, guided India closer to victory. The task was then completed by Hardik Pandya, who dispatched a six down the track off Powell in the 18th over.
During the first innings, Hardik Pandya employed spin in the PowerPlay to unsettle West Indies top order. Although the batsmen responded with aggressive shots, reaching 38/0 in 6 overs, the introduction of spin yielded fruitful results.
Over the next four spin-dominated overs, West Indies progressed to 73/1 in 10 overs, losing only Kyle Mayers’s wicket.
Kuldeep Yadav engaged in a captivating duel with Nicholas Pooran, who attempted unconventional shots but succumbed to his adventurous approach, leaving him stumped.
Kuldeep further tightened the screws on West Indies by dismissing Brandon King. Rovman Powell’s late surge boosted West Indies’ score, with 10, 8, 17, and 11 runs coming from the final four overs, culminating in a formidable total beyond 150.
Powell’s assault, including an emphatic six off Arshdeep Singh, highlighted the end of the innings. However, Suryakumar’s prowess in the chase dismantled West Indies’ competitive effort, propelling India to a well-deserved victory.
