India defeated the West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20I in Indore, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 69 off 30 balls set up India’s total of 223, while Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket haul and disciplined spin bowling helped restrict the visitors to 209 for seven.
Naman Dhir also played a crucial role, dismissing Kamil Pooran after the West Indies batter had hit him for three sixes in the same over.
Naman Dhir’s ‘Six and Out’ Moment
Kamil Pooran was putting Naman Dhir under pressure in the 11th over, hitting the young spinner for sixes off his first, second and fifth deliveries. After the second six, Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer approached Dhir, seemingly to encourage him.
Pooran attempted another big hit but failed to clear the boundary. Arshdeep Singh took the catch, ending the batter’s innings at 42 off 27 balls.
The dismissal continued an unusual pattern in Dhir’s short T20 career: every wicket he had taken had come on the delivery immediately after a batter hit him for six. The phrase “Six and Out” aptly described his ability to strike back after being attacked.
Arshdeep Singh Gives India an Early Breakthrough
Defending 224, India needed early wickets to put pressure on the West Indies chase. Arshdeep Singh delivered by dismissing captain Shai Hope, who was bowled after the left-arm pacer changed his angle from over the wicket to around the wicket.
Hope’s early dismissal gave India an important opening and forced the visitors to work harder to maintain the required scoring rate.
Arshdeep later removed Sherfane Rutherford for 32 with a sharp yorker in the 18th over, dealing another major blow to the West Indies’ hopes. He finished with figures of 3/44.
Indian Spinners Improve After Ranchi Setback
After struggling to find the right lengths in Ranchi, India’s spinners delivered a more controlled performance in Indore.
Dhir dismissed Shimron Hetmyer with a delivery that skidded through. Hetmyer moved onto the back foot and was bowled after scoring 43.
Axar Patel also varied his pace and length effectively, making it difficult for the West Indies batters to play their attacking shots comfortably. As the required run rate climbed, Rovman Powell attempted to accelerate but sliced his lofted shot to deep point.
The combined efforts of Dhir, Axar and Arshdeep helped India maintain control during the middle and death overs.
Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive 69 Powers India
India’s bowling performance was particularly important because the team had lost momentum after a strong start with the bat.
Abhishek Sharma scored 69 off 30 balls, providing an aggressive start despite the early dismissal of Sanju Samson. He attacked Roston Chase in the third over, collecting 18 runs through a series of powerful shots over the infield and boundary.
Abhishek continued his assault against Keemo Paul and Shamar Springer, using his timing and ability to find gaps to keep India’s scoring rate high.
His innings helped India build a strong platform, although the batting side later lost wickets and finished at 223 all out.
India Take a 2-1 Lead in the T20I Series
India’s disciplined bowling and improved spin performance proved decisive in Indore. Arshdeep’s crucial wickets, Dhir’s ability to respond after being hit for six, and Axar’s variations prevented the West Indies from completing the chase.
The visitors finished at 209 for seven, falling 14 runs short of the target.
With the victory, India moved ahead 2-1 in the five-match T20I series, gaining an important advantage heading into the remaining matches.