WI vs IND: 2nd ODI Review – Axar’s heroics hand India the series win

Two close games went right down to the wire, and both times, it has been the visitors, India who have managed to get over the line. Chasing 312 was always going to be a big task, however, with the wicket playing really well, the threat of spin was taken away. Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson’s half-centuries did help the chase, while Axar was the star for India with both bat and ball. As a result, India won the second ODI by two wickets and sealed the three-match series 2-0.

Earlier, Shai Hope’s magnificent century and Nicholas Pooran’s 74 off 77 deliveries helped West Indies to build a strong platform and post a score that most days would be defended. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for India despite going for runs as he picked up 3 for 54 in his seven overs. India have now clinched the three-match series on the back of Axar’s unbelievable knock.

 Top Performers of the game

Axar Patel

Axar Patel showed his match-winning abilities with both bat and ball and played the perfect cameo in the end to win the game for India. His splendid unbeaten knock of 64 runs off 35 balls comprised three fours and five sixes as he took his side home from a high-pressure situation. He also finished with economical figures of 1 for 40 in his 9-over spell earlier.

Shai Hope

Shai Hope was brilliant in the second game and showed his class with the bat in his 100th ODI. The right-hander’s 135-ball 115 comprised eight fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 85.19. The opener took his side to a competitive score of above 300 in the first innings.

What next for the two teams

With the winner of the series decided, West Indies will be looking to put up a spirited effort in the third ODI for pride, while India will look to whitewash at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on July 27.