The India and West Indies T20 International series of five matches was drawn 2-2, as the last match of the series had to be abandoned due to heavy rain at the stadium in Bengaluru. This was the deciding match of the series, where both sides had won two matches each.
Toss was won by West Indies Captain Shai Hope, who elected to bowl first. However, rain caused a delay in the game, which led to the officials declaring it a shortened game of nine overs a side. India scored 118 runs for five wickets in 7.4 overs before another spell of rain brought their innings. The West Indies' batting innings did not start at all, and ultimately, the game was declared a no-result.
The result meant that neither team could secure a series victory. Both sides finished the T20I series with two wins apiece, bringing a competitive contest to an inconclusive end.
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| Image Credit: The Tribune |
Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir Provide a Quick Start
Despite the shortened game, the Indian batsmen came out aggressively. Ishan Kishan managed to score 30 runs off just 10 balls, giving a good start in the short innings.
Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 22 runs off 14 balls, while Sanju Samson scored 16 runs in seven balls. Naman Dhir then provided an innings late in the game, scoring 24 runs off just six balls, which helped India cross the 100-run target.
The run scoring was influenced by India’s attacking attitude towards playing in the abbreviated form of the game. The batsmen did not have much time to get adjusted, as just nine overs were played.
West Indies bowlers also made important contributions. Keemo Paul and Shamar Springer claimed two wickets each, while Shamar Joseph took one wicket. The visitors had been hoping to restrict India before attempting the revised target, but the weather prevented them from beginning their chase.
Rain Disrupts the Bengaluru Decider
The match between India and the West Indies in the T20I series was held for the fifth time under persistent rain, due to which the scheduled 20-over match was reduced to nine overs.
Although the new format provided the chance of a thrilling end, it was not possible due to the prevailing conditions. India completed only 7.4 overs before the rain stopped play, and the West Indies did not get a chance to bat.
Ultimately, it had to be called off owing to repeated interruptions. This was indeed sad for the spectators who made their way to Bengaluru for the last match of the series. In this case, even fewer overs turned out to be enough to fetch any kind of result.
How Did the Five-Match T20I Series Finish?
The India and West Indies T20I Series comprised victories for both teams on different venues. India managed to win the first game in Lucknow by eight wickets. As a result, the West Indies won the second T20I in Ranchi by six wickets.
India recaptured the lead following an innings where they won by 14 runs in Indore. The West Indies, on the other hand, managed to win the fourth T20I match in Hyderabad by 24 runs.
With the abandonment of the fifth match, the series ended without there being a clear victor. Both sides proved that they had been able to play well in the series but could not make the other side bow down.
What's Next for India and West Indies?
India had the chance to see how various combinations worked in different situations of the match. The last game witnessed the comeback of veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar after a long time in the T20I team.
West Indies proved their batting prowess throughout the series, especially during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, where the captain Shai Hope's unbeaten century helped the team draw the series into a decider.
Despite ending without a clear winner, the results seen in the five matches played brought out the competition in the game. The fifth match, which was abandoned, meant that neither team had an upper hand, as both teams were 2-2 in the series.
References:
Rain Washes Out Series Decider as India, West Indies Share Honours… The Tribune
Hope, Paul Power West Indies to Level T20I Series Against India… ICC
Author: Saurabh
Saurabh is a content writer at RA News Updates, based in Faridabad, Delhi NCR. He covers news, politics, and current affairs, focusing on delivering clear, accurate, and informative content. He holds an MA in political science from IGNOU and a BA in political science from PGDAV College, University of Delhi. He is also HubSpot-certified in SEO and content marketing.