IND vs WI: 3rd T20I – Ballistic India pound West Indies in series decider
A match that witnessed 31 fours and 28 sixes ended in India’s favour as the hosts secured the series victory. With a 67-run triumph, Virat Kohli’s men clinched the third and final T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai to register a 2-1 scoreline. India’s top three went berserk against the Caribbean bowling attack. The first innings score of 240 proved to be too much even after Kieron Pollard’s special knock. India and West Indies shall now engage in a three-match ODI series which begins on 15th December.
Check out the full scorecard here
Rohit and Rahul begin hammering
India’s fresh opening pair for the series, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, had their task cut out as Pollard asked India to bat first. The duo adopted an attacking approach after two quiet overs and finished the powerplay with 72/0 on the board.
The bashing continued even after the powerplay. On a Wankhede track that had true bounce, both Rahul and Rohit enjoyed delicious boundaries and sumptuous sixes. India brought up team hundred in the eighth over itself. Things took a positive turn for West Indies in the 12th over as Kesrick Williams sent back Rohit for 71 from 34 balls.
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Kohli breathes fire
Rishabh Pant came out at number three in a bid to maintain the run rate, however, he fell for a two-ball duck. Batting next, the captain announced his intentions by looting 21 runs from Jason Holder’s over. Kohli and Rahul continued the assault as India collected 64 runs from the last 24 balls. Rahul fell in the final over for a tremendous 91 off 56 whereas Kohli finished unbeaten on 70 from just 29 balls. Seven of those 29 balls were hit for sixes. Williams was West Indies’ most economical bowler of the night despite conceding 9.25 runs every over.
Hetmyer-Pollard aim the impossible
The visitors faced a major blow even before their reply began. An on-field injury ruled Evin Lewis out of the second innings. India gathered further momentum by blowing apart the West Indian top order. To win after being 17/3 in 3.1 overs, the visitors needed a miracle. Shimron Hetmyer and captain Pollard attempted to do just that.
The fourth-wicket stand which accounted for 74 runs from 34 balls helped keep West Indies alive in the game. Just when the loss of Hetmyer (41 from 24 balls) seemed to have dented the chase, Pollard stepped up and bashed sixes fearlessly. His dismissal after 68 off 39 balls with six sixes ended any serious hope of the target being chased down. West Indies eventually lost to India by 67 runs.
