India break Pakistan’s record of most consecutive ODI series win against a team
In what can be called an absolute nail-biter, India defeated West Indies by two wickets in the second ODI to clinch the three-match series 2-0. Just like the series opener, this contest went right down to the wire, and the Men in Blue yet again managed to cross the line. Meanwhile, a plethora of records were made and shattered in the game and one of them was India recording their 12th successive bilateral ODI series win over West Indies, most for a team against an opposition.
India’s arch-rivals Pakistan previously held the record, having won 11 consecutive ODI series against Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, momentum enjoyed a rollercoaster ride in the game as West Indies put up a brilliant show. After posting a challenging 311/6 while batting first, the hosts took wickets at regular intervals and seemingly tightened their grip over the contest.
All-rounder Axar Patel starred for India
However, a timely and fiery half-century from all-rounder Axar Patel meant the visitors crossed the line with a couple of deliveries to spare. Notably, this was also India’s highest successful ODI run-chase in West Indies. Overall, Team India’s chase was the third-highest on Caribbean soil.
Earlier in the contest, West Indies won the toss and opted to bat at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad. The Men in Maroon got off to a fiery start with openers Kyle Mayers and Shai Hope being aggressive from the outset.
The duo added 65 runs for the first wicket before the former perished for 39. Hope, on the other hand, slammed his 13th ODI ton and ended up scoring 115. While Shamarh Brooks also made a handy 35, skipper Nicholas Pooran scored a much-needed 77-ball 74 as West Indies crossed the 300-run mark.
Unlike the previous game, India got off to a rough start with skipper Shikhar Dhawan perishing for a 31-ball 13. The ship was then steadied by Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who scored 43 and 63, respectively. The baton was then passed onto Sanju Samson and Axar Patel, who scored their respective maiden ODI fifties.
Axar was brilliant in particular as he scored 64 off just 35 deliveries and remained unbeaten till the end. As a result, India crossed the line in the last over to seal the series. The all-rounder, who also recorded bowling figures of 1/40 in nine overs, was adjudged the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, the third and final ODI will take place at the same venue on Wednesday (July 27).
